By CEV Sports Reporter
The roar of the crowd in Bangkok`s arena was still echoing when Italy`s women`s volleyball team hoisted the FIVB World Championship trophy, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory over a tenacious Türkiye. This wasn`t just another win; it was the crowning jewel in a breathtaking 13-month run that has firmly cemented Italy`s place at the pinnacle of international volleyball. With this triumph, Italy now boasts a collection of gold that includes the Olympic title, the FIVB Volleyball Nations League, and the World Championship – a rare and formidable triple crown in modern sports.
A Final Worthy of Legend
The final match on that memorable Sunday was a contest of wills, a five-set epic that saw momentum swing wildly. Italy, known for their composed power, took the first set (25-23), only for Türkiye, the reigning European champions, to respond with a dominant 25-13 second set. The rhythm of the game was a delicate dance between Italian precision and Turkish defiance. Italy edged out a crucial third set (26-24), displaying resilience that defines champions. But Türkiye wasn`t done, claiming the fourth (25-19) to push the final into a nail-biting decider.
In the decisive fifth set, it was Italy`s experience and an unyielding spirit that shone brightest. Despite an early 6-4 lead for Türkiye, the `Azzurre` launched an 11-2 scoring run, including the final six points, to clinch the set 15-8 and the championship. It was a testament to their mental fortitude and tactical execution under immense pressure. Melissa Vargas, with a phenomenal 33 points for Türkiye, led her team`s valiant effort, marking a historic silver medal – their first ever at a World Championship – a moment of immense pride for Turkish volleyball.
The Architects of Dominance: Players and Coach
Italy’s path to the gold wasn`t just paved with wins; it was crafted by individual brilliance and collective synergy. At the heart of their strategy was setter Alessia Orro, deservedly named the tournament`s MVP and best setter. Despite battling injuries alongside Sarah Fahr, Orro orchestrated Italy`s offense with a maestro`s touch, setting up potent attacks and demonstrating a deep understanding of the game`s ebb and flow. She is, quite simply, the brain of this operation.
The scoring firepower was equally distributed, showcasing the depth of Italy’s roster. Paola Egonu, with her characteristic thunderous spikes, led with 22 points. Myriam Sylla added a vital 18, while Ekaterina Antropova contributed 14, and Danesi chipped in with 7. This balanced attack highlights not just individual talent but a robust system where multiple players can step up in crucial moments. Coach Julio Velasco, a venerable figure in volleyball, was visibly emotional yet composed. “This victory is very emotional for us,” he remarked, emphasizing that “this team will be remembered as a legendary one in the future.” A rather understated prophecy, considering their current haul.
A Legacy Undeniable
This second World Championship title, adding to their 2002 victory, combined with their 36th consecutive official match win, places Italy in rarefied air. They are only the second team in the last 25 years to simultaneously hold both the Olympic and World titles, a feat previously achieved by Cuba. Their current streak is not merely impressive; it suggests a level of sustained excellence that borders on the formidable, almost as if they`ve found a cheat code for winning major tournaments. Dropping only five sets throughout the entire championship further underscores their unparalleled dominance.
For Paola Egonu, the emotion was palpable. “I still can’t believe it,” she shared, “My heart is full now.” This blend of disbelief and elation is understandable, as this generation of Italian athletes continues to redefine what’s possible in women`s volleyball. This victory also marks Italy`s third consecutive medal at the World Championship, following silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022, demonstrating a consistent presence on the podium that few can match.
While Italy celebrated their golden moment, the day also saw Brazil claim the bronze medal with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Japan, completing a memorable tournament in Bangkok. But the narrative, for now, belongs squarely to Italy, a team that has not just won, but has unequivocally dominated, establishing a golden era that promises to be spoken of for decades to come.
Torin Vale