Volleyball, Italy eliminated by Türkiye: no final of the European Championships

by our correspondent Gian Luca Pasini

September 1st
– BRUSSELS

Italy-Turkey 2-3 (25-18, 23-25, 25-15, 22-25, 6-15)

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Turkey remains the master. After winning the Nations League, he overtook Italy in a sprint and went on to play the final of the European Championship 4 years after the one played at home in Istanbul (with Serbia). Santarelli’s team has the merit of not giving up even when things go badly (after the third set). Italy’s great regret is not having closed the match when you had the chance (in the fourth set when you were over 3 points) and having postponed everything to the tiebreak where there was no match.

Starting with Antropova

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The blue coach starts with the usual formation with Antropova opposite Orro, central Danesi and Lubian, Sylla and Pietrini in hand, Fersino free. Even Turkey brings back the team that had beaten Poland in the quarterfinals with the Vargas-Karakurt traction. Match that travels point by point until Turkey takes a break ahead: 16-14. But here Italy shows the best part with Egonu and Bosio entering for the double change. Italy travels and with Egonu batting the Azzurri actually close the set, it comes out only on 24-17. But in the second part the music changes. Italy loosens its grip and leaves something to be desired in terms of reception. But down by 3 points (6-3) and here Mazzanti changes Antropova for Egonu. Even Santarelli gives breathing space to Karakurt in the second line with Turkey always ahead (13-10). Santarelli also changes director, already Cansu in Sahin. Turkey flees, but again with Egonu’s joke they reach -1 (23-22). A wall of Gunes evens the score. But in the third, Italy leaves nothing to the opponents.

Paula on the pitch

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Mazzanti rightly leaves Egonu on the pitch who repays with every action, attack, block and even a lot of serve. Italy is rampant: 18-10. And the blue game is choral. Turkey starts to force, but doesn’t have the substitutions with the “blocked” formation, while Italy also sends Parrocchiale into the field in place of Pietrini in the back lap. New change of Santarelli co Cansu in the field. Turkey pushed by Vargas’ jokes is still alive and doesn’t want to give up. It is played point to point (12-12). But here Turkey puts the Vargas turbo on and turns the game around. A set that seemed to be heading towards Italy’s home instead Turkey rips it with its teeth, thrilling the thousands of fans (mostly immigrants) who have come here with flags and banners. Italy goes behind in the tiebreak thoughtfully no longer finds the crux of the skein, Turkey in the final will face the winner of Holland.-Serbia.