Polish women's volleyball: the last medal from 2009, hope for a rematch with Italy in the semi-finals of the Nations League

In 2009 in Łódź, the team led by Jerzy Matlak, who was replaced by Piotr Makowski during the tournament, took third place in the European Championship. This was the last medal won by Polish women, who had a chance seven years ago. Then in Ankara they placed just behind the podium, losing the bronze medal match with the Italians 0:3.

Italy - a well-known and difficult rival

The Italian national team was a frequent opponent of Polish volleyball players. In recent years, however, Italian women have been out of reach not only for the White and Reds, but for the entire world.

In 2024, the Italian team was taken over by the experienced Argentine coach Julio Velasco, who won 39 official matches in a row in 2024-2026. Under his leadership, the team won the gold medal of the Olympic Games, the world championship and won the Nations League twice.

There were ways to deal with Italian women

However, in the history of Polish-Italian skirmishes there was no shortage of spectacular victories for the White and Reds. At the beginning of September 2023, Polish women defeated their rivals 3:1 in the qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games.

A year later, both teams met in the Nations League - Poland won 3-0 in Ankara and this was the last victory over Italy. This year, both teams played against each other in two friendly tournaments - in Genoa, the Italians won 3-2, and in Koszalin 3-0.

Great stars of Italy

Paola Egonu, one of the best attackers in the world, has been the strength of the Apennine Peninsula national team for many years. For some time now, she has had a strong competitor in her position – Ekaterina Antropova. However, Velasco found a solution and Antropova often plays as a receiver. The team's play is managed by the experienced Alessia Orro, and the two midfielders are also multi-represented - Sarah Fahr and Anna Danesi.

The Italians are well known to the coach of the White and Reds, Stefano Lavarini, who for many years managed Italian clubs, including Igor Gorgonzola Novara and Numia Vero Volley Milano. The Polish coach worked, among others, from Egon, Danesi, Orro and Miriam Sylla.

Semi-final Poland - Italy on Saturday

The Poland-Italy match will start on Saturday at 18. Three hours earlier, the defending champions from Turkey will play in the final against the runners-up from three years ago - the Serbians.

In case of defeat, Lavarini's players will play for the bronze medal on Sunday against the loser of this match.