Italy and Serbia to play for #EuroVolleyU22W crown

Italy and Serbia will vie for gold on Sunday at the #EuroVolleyU22W in The Hague in a repeat of the 2024 gold medal match. Back then, Italy had prevailed in three sets on home soil in Lecce. In the first semi-final match, Italy stunned Pool I runners-up Spain with a comprehensive 3-0 victory (25-11, 25-15, 25-15) in a little more than an hour of play. Later in the afternoon, Serbia came back from 1-2 to upset the home fans as they eventually edged hosts the Netherlands at the tiebreak (28-26, 20-25, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12) in a marathon match lasting two and a half hours. 

Italy remain in contention for a third straight title in this age group, after previous triumphs in 2022 and 2024. Merit Adigwe, who plays for powerhouse A. Carraro Prosecco DOC CONEGLIANO, top scored for the Italians with 16 points, the same tally registered by Giorgia Amoruso. Linda Manfredini and Nicole Piomboni contributed with 11 apiece to finish in double digits as well. 

Italy coach Gaetano Gagliardi, following the impressive victory over Spain: “It was a good match. I said it before that semi-finals and finals are matches in their own right, and therefore difficult. There are four good teams left in this European Championship. But our approach to the game was excellent; I have to give the team credit for that. Spain can make things very difficult for you, but we were able to neutralise that threat with fast-paced play. For me, that is the key factor that secured the win. Whoever we face in the final, we need to maintain that same level of focus  and approach tomorrow.”

If the first semi-final lasted for 67 minutes only, the second was exactly the opposite – with five closely contested sets and Serbia eventually having the upper hand after coming back from 1-2 down. Milica Vidacic scored the most points for the winners (26) as Sjakkie Donkers had the most impressive personal tally (21) for the home side. The Netherlands will have to regroup both physically and mentally to vie for bronze against Spain on Sunday.