Combo of rather unexpected results completes #EuroVolleyU22W pool play

The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and Serbia compose the quartet of teams due to contest the semi-finals of this year’s #EuroVolleyU22W after a string of rather surprising results on the final day of pool play in The Hague. In the semis, reigning U22 European champions Italy will play Spain, whereas hosts the Netherlands will take on Serbia. 

On Thursday, Italy completed a clean sweep of their matches in Pool II. They had previously edged other Volleyball powerhouses such as Poland and Serbia and they got the job finished with a seamless 3-0 victory over outsiders Portugal (25-13, 26-24, 25-14) with Giorgia Amoruso and Merit Adigwe top scoring in the process. In a direct clash for the other spot in the semis, Serbia came from one set down to beat Poland 3-1 (19-25, 25-16, 25-19, 34-32) after an incredibly closely fought fourth set. 

The Netherlands had started the event on home soil with a 2-3 loss to Spain, but they bounced back with a 3-0 shutout of Ukraine followed by a sensational 3-0 victory over Türkiye (25-21, 25-18, 25-20) to finish first in the pool. Türkiye eventually missed out on a spot in the semis – taken by Spain despite their 1-3 loss at the hands of Ukraine.  

Italy are still in contention for a third straight continental title in this age group – which would make up for the disappointment caused by their U22 men’s team, who failed to even reach the semis at the event held earlier this month in Portugal.