The Italian women’s volleyball national team entered the 2024 international season with a clear goal: to secure their second VNL title and earn crucial world ranking points for Paris 2024. With their eyes set on the Olympics, Italy needed a strong performance in the Volleyball Nations League to guarantee a spot in the French capital.
A Rocky Start, But Italy Finds Their Rhythm
Italy’s performance in the first week of the VNL, held in Antalya, Turkey, reflected the team’s need to adjust quickly. After a surprising upset loss to Poland, the Italians bounced back, winning their next three matches against Germany, Bulgaria, and the hosts, Türkiye. “It was an important win for us… it showed we can power through difficult moments together,” said opposite Ekaterina Antropova.
Steady Performance in the Following Weeks
By the second week in Macao, China, Italy had found more stability. They won three sweep victories against France, the Dominican Republic, and China, though they were defeated by Brazil in a dramatic tie-breaker. By then, they had already secured their Paris 2024 qualification.
Italy’s Dominance in Fukuoka
Italy finished the Preliminary Phase in second place, motivating them for the finals in Bangkok. In the quarterfinals, they defeated Olympic champions the USA in three sets, and followed up with a commanding 3-0 win over Poland in the semifinals.
A Golden Finish
In the gold medal match against Japan, Italy’s experience in big moments prevailed. They won 3-1 to secure their second VNL title, marking a major accomplishment for the squad. “This tournament was really hard… but we stayed focused and we won,” said captain Anna Danesi after the victory.
MVP Paola Egonu Leads the Charge
The biggest star of Italy’s victory, opposite Paola Egonu, was awarded the tournament’s Most Valuable Player title. This was the second time Egonu had received the honor, having also been named MVP in Italy’s 2022 VNL victory. Four Italian players, including Egonu, were named to the tournament’s Dream Team. Setter Alessia Orro, outside hitter Miriam Sylla, and middle blocker Sarah Fahr joined her, while Japan’s Manami Kojima and Sarina Koga, and Poland’s Agnieszka Korneluk, were also selected.
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