Italy undefeated in EuroVolley, alone at the top of the standings

The Italian men's volleyball team has consolidated first place in Pool A of the 2026 European Championship, winning their fourth consecutive match. After defeating Sweden, Greece, and Slovakia, the Azzurri also prevailed in the key match against Czechia, overturning an initial one-set deficit to close out the match 3-1. With this result, coach Ferdinando 'Fefé' De Giorgi's Italy has reached 12 points in the standings, distancing their direct rivals Czechia (8 points) and Slovenia (6 points).

The reigning world champion team has thus maintained its position at the top of the group with a partial record of 12 sets won and 2 lost. The next match, on Thursday, September 17th at 21:05 against Slovenia, will be decisive for clinching first place and securing direct qualification to the round of 16, which will be held in Turin.

The European Men's Volleyball Championship is a continental competition held every two years, organized by the CEV (European Volleyball Confederation). The 2026 edition sees Italy participating as one of the favorites following their victory at the 2025 World Championship. The Italian national team, led by former player and now head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi, began the tournament with the aim of reclaiming the European title, which they missed in the last edition.

Their journey in Pool A started with a series of victories that allowed the Azzurri to accumulate valuable points for the standings. The qualification system stipulates that the top four teams from each pool advance to the knockout stage (round of 16). Italy, with four wins in as many matches, already holds an advantageous position, but the direct clash with Slovenia will be crucial to secure first place and, consequently, a potentially more favorable matchup in the round of 16. The final stage of the tournament will take place in Turin, where the qualified teams will compete for the continental title.