Италия проиграла Финляндии в четвертьфинале Евроволей

Italy's national volleyball team lost to Finland in the quarterfinals of the European Championship, exiting the tournament. The match, held in Turin, saw a close contest that went to five sets.

Coach De Giorgi fielded the same starting lineup as in the round of 16: Giannelli as setter, Romanò as opposite, Lavia and Bottolo as outside hitters, Sanguinetti and Mati as middle blockers, and Balaso as libero. Finland, coached by Kunnari, countered with Valimaa setting, Jokela as opposite, Martilla L. and Martilla N. as outside hitters, Haapaniemi and Savonsalmi as middle blockers, and Koykka as libero.

The Palavela arena was filled with 8,260 spectators, including notable figures like Antonio Conte, Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini, and player Andrea Cambiaso. The widow of Gaetano Scirea and her son were also in attendance.

The first set began well for Italy, taking an early 3-0 lead. Lavia's successful attack extended the lead to 6-3. Finland stayed close, with their outside hitters keeping the score tight at 10-8 and 11-10. Romanò's ace pushed Italy to a three-point advantage (13-10), prompting Finland's coach Kunnari to call a timeout. A subsequent ace from Nooa Martilla and an error by Bottolo tied the score at 14-14, leading to an Italian timeout. The teams exchanged points until Mati's "monster block" gave Italy a 20-18 lead, a lead they extended to 21-18. Italy secured the set 25-21 in 28 minutes, with Romanò scoring 8 points, including 2 aces.

Finland started the second set strongly, leading 5-2. Giannelli's attack brought Italy back to a tie at 7-7. Finland regained the lead at 9-11. Lavia's ace leveled the score again at 14-14, and another point from the Italian hitter gave them a 17-16 lead. Balaso made several spectacular defensive plays. The set remained balanced at 20-20. Substitutions were made, with Sani coming in for Sanguinetti on serve and Michieletto replacing Bottolo. Michieletto scored to make it 23-23. Sbertoli served for Mati, but Finland closed the set with a winning attack, 24-23. Sanguinetti responded, giving Italy a 25-24 lead. After a tense rally, Finland took the set 28-26, leveling the match at 1-1.

Finland's aggressive play continued in the third set, with them leading 3-1 and then 5-2. Galassi replaced Mati at middle blocker and immediately scored a point, making it 3-6. Finland continued to score crucial points, leading 3-9 and prompting an Italian timeout. Luca Porro came on for Daniele Lavia. Italy reduced the deficit to 6-10. Michieletto returned to the court, replacing Bottolo, and scored to make it 8-11. Finland maintained their lead throughout the set (11-16, 12-17, 13-19). Bottolo re-entered for Michieletto, and Rychlicki replaced Romanò. Finland's Tyynismaa finished the set 25-16.

Italy led the fourth set 5-2 and 6-3. Sanguinetti's block extended the lead to 7-5. Lavia scored after a spectacular rally for 8-6, followed by Sanguinetti's ace for a 9-6 lead. Romanò's attack made it 10-7. Jokela's effective attack narrowed the gap to 10-11, and Haapaniemi's ace tied the score at 11-11. Italy fought to stay ahead, with Bottolo scoring for a 15-13 lead. Italy maintained a two-point advantage (18-16, 19-17, 20-18). Sani came in to serve for Galassi. In the final moments, Giannelli's ace gave Italy a three-point lead (22-19), and Sanguinetti's block secured a 24-19 lead. Bottolo closed the set 25-20.

In the tie-break, Italy started well at 4-2, but Finland ultimately won the set 15-13, securing their place in the semifinals.