Volleyball Olympic Games Paris 2024

Italy’s historic Olympic gold earns prestigious prize at ANOC Awards

Italy triumph in the Best Female Team of Paris 2024 at the ANOC Awards following their women’s volleyball success

Published 01:16, 31 Oct 2024

After winning the country’s first-ever volleyball gold medal at the Olympic Games, Italy was honoured as the Best Female Team of Paris 2024 at the ANOC Awards in Cascais, Portugal.

The Italian team lit up the tournament at the Paris South Arena and went undefeated on their way to topping the podium on August 11.

The ANOC Awards recognised the best individual athletes and teams at Paris 2024, and Carlotta Cambi received the Best Female Team award for Italy on behalf of her teammates from ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti.

“I have only one word - it was amazing!” said Cambi as she reflected on their return home to Italy after their golden campaign in Paris.

On behalf of the Italian team, Carlotta Cambi received the Best Female Team of Paris 2024 prize at the ANOC Awards in Cascais (photo: ANOC)

Italy had never previously progressed past the quarterfinals in the women’s volleyball tournament at an Olympic Games, but Cambi also explained what made the difference this time around.

“The quarterfinals have always been our biggest obstacle, but this year our mentality has changed, thanks to our coach Julio Velasco and all the staff, so thanks to all my team,” she said.

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Cambi added clinching an Olympic medal was “a dream”, and their attention has now turned to the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship 2025 in Thailand, where they will be aiming to add to their silver medal in 2018 and bronze medal in 2022.

Italy’s only dropped set during the Olympic Games came in their first Pool C match against the Dominican Republic, which they went on to win 3-1 (25-19, 24-26, 25-21, 25-18). They then clinched impressive straight-set wins against the Netherlands and Türkiye in their remaining Pool C matches, and repeated the feat in the quarterfinals against Serbia. The semifinals brought a re-match against Türkiye, in which Italy again proved too strong as they triumphed 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-22).

That led them to the final against defending champions the United States, played out against the backdrop of an electric atmosphere which typified the volleyball competitions at Paris 2024. An outstanding display allowed Italy to prevail 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-17) and sparked wild celebrations from the team and fans alike.