Volleyball, Women’s European Championships: Italy’s third win, Sweden beaten 3-0

Italy steals the show at the Scandinavium. In front of 6,800 spectators in the stands, Julio Velasco’s Azzurre beat the hosts Sweden 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25–14) the hosts Sweden, securing their third consecutive victory at the CEV Trendyol EuroVolley 2026 and cementing top spot in Pool D with 9 points. It was a top-class performance from the women’s national team, who defended resolutely and converted the opportunities they created in attack with surgical precision, gradually undermining the Swedish side’s confidence. Following 3-0 victories over Croatia and Montenegro, Italy thus continue their campaign without conceding a single set to their opponents. Tomorrow is a rest day for the Azzurre, who will return to action on Tuesday 25 August at 4.00 pm (live on Rai 2, Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport Arena and DAZN) against Slovakia, led by Italian coach Martino Volpini. Against the hosts, Sweden, Italy’s head coach Julio Velasco fielded Orro as setter, Egonu in position 2, Sylla and Antropova as outside hitters, Danesi and Fahr as middle blockers, and Fersino as libero. Sweden, under head coach Lorenzo Micelli, started with Julevik as setter, Isabelle Haak in the opposite position, Hanna Haak and Hellvig as wing spikers, Andersson and Olofsson as middle blockers, and Brink as libero. Danesi and Antropova put Italy 4–0 ahead early in the first set, with Orro immediately in the thick of things in reading the set-ups. The Azzurre put pressure on the serve, Sweden struggled to rebuild their play, and Julevik looked to Isabelle Haak and Hellvig for solutions in attack (5-3). The match picked up pace and the thrills came thick and fast, particularly as Fersino soared to defend some extremely difficult balls and Antropova’s serve consistently put Sweden under pressure in reception. Fahr was shrewd in making it 10-4; the home side struggled to get their attacks past the net, and Egonu didn’t let her opponents see the ball at the net when she decided to step up a gear (13-6). Isabelle Haak, out of position, tries to bring Sweden back into the game against Italy (15–11). The quality of the match particularly highlights the Italian centre, where Fahr and Danesi prove to be in a different league to their opponents (18–13), with Orro in fine form and Sylla spectacular in the tight moments. Italy moved to 22–16; Antropova landed a decisive strike to make it 23–16; Hanna Haak set the Scandinavium alight to make it 23–18; Egonu smashed the ball into the three-metre zone for 24–16; and Antropova (scoring 9 points in the first set alone with a 62 per cent attack success rate) closed it out with a powerful spike (25–18). Italy lead 1–0. In the second set, Italy immediately took a 4–1 lead with Egonu and Antropova dominating the high balls. Micelli’s national team put pressure on the serve and closed the gap (5–4). The match was a delight in both form and substance, not least because both teams faced each other head-on. Isabelle Haak replied to Antropova (7–7); Egonu delicately lifted the ball with a beautiful lob (11–9), after which the set became a thrilling neck-and-neck battle. Sweden pulled ahead to 20–22, but Italy remained alert and patient; then Antropova smashed the ball down hard to level the score (22–22), Fahr blocked Andersson (23–22), and did so again when she classily blocked Hellvig’s pipe attack (24–23). The 25–23 came courtesy of a direct error by Sweden’s number 14 herself. It’s 2–0 to Julio Velasco’s girls. In the third set, Italy were in complete control (13–7). Once again, Fahr drew applause from the 6,800 spectators when she blocked Haak (14–7), and the match began to roll smoothly from there. Sylla shines in position 4 (21–12) with powerful and precise attacks, whilst Danesi and Egonu are outstanding at the net. Fahr seals the match with a block (25–14) and Italy defeat Sweden 3–0.