Italy’s women’s volleyball team are champions again. The Azzurre came from behind to defeat Brazil 3–1 in the final, repeating last year’s triumph in the Nations League – their third overall following the 2022 title. After a shaky start and a first set lost 25–22 to the South Americans, Velasco’s side found their rhythm and stormed back with 25–18, 25–22, and 25–22. Super-sub Ekaterina Antropova made the difference from the bench, with Myriam Sylla and Anna Danesi also pivotal.
The opening set was a nightmare for Italy: Brazil surged ahead 7–3, capitalising on errors and visible tension from the Azzurre. A timeout from Velasco settled his side, who began to pile up points through Paola Egonu and Sylla in attack, and Danesi at the net. The defending champions overtook and stretched the lead to four points, but then suffered a costly blackout: Gabi and her teammates accelerated, exploiting Italian mistakes and closing the set 25–22 after a stunning 10–4 run.
The second set flipped the script completely, with Italy in control from start to finish. Velasco’s players levelled the match 1–1 with a commanding 25–18, boosted by the entrance of Antropova. Midway through the set, Alice Degradi suffered a serious injury and was forced to leave the final. Her replacement, Stella Nervini, made an immediate impact, scoring four points in the third set. With Antropova and Sylla firing, Italy closed it 25–22.
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The fourth and final set was the tightest of all. Brazil, led by Ana Carolina Bergmann and Gabi, struck back after some early attacking errors, but Italy’s blocking wall – anchored by Danesi – and Antropova’s relentless hitting kept the Azzurre ahead. Another 25–22 sealed the 3–1 victory, crowning Italy Nations League champions for the third time.
