With just one more match to play in the Preliminary Phase, the Italians are very close to securing the top spot for the VNL Finals, which are going to be held in Łódź, Poland, from July 23-27. With 11 victories and 30 points, they are the only undefeated team in the tournament and need to win just two sets against the Netherlands on Sunday to get one more point and make sure they finish ahead of Brazil, which are set to enter the last day of matches with ten wins and 28 points.
Türkiye are currently in fifth place with eight wins and 23 points and they can only move one spot up on Sunday, in case they pass Poland, who have eight victories and 24 points, for fourth place.
Italy’s opposite duo of Paola Egonu and Ekaterina Antropova made a difference for the Olympic champions, combining to produce 37 points in their victory. Antropova was incredible off the bench, ending the match with 20 points (18 kills, two blocks), while Egonu tallied 17, with 14 kills, two blocks and one ace. Middle blocker Sarah Fahr also had an outstanding performance, adding 15 points (11 kills, three blocks, one ace).
“It was a really tough match, and it feels amazing that we managed to win it,” Fahr said. “Playing Türkiye is always very difficult. The atmosphere was amazing, and it was great to feel the support for both teams. I’m happy with the result and with how we played. Next match will be the last test before the Finals, and we have to continue to push because every match is difficult and everyone wants to win against us.”
