Italy literally got off to a 'flying start' at EuroVolley 2026. The world champions began their European title defense with a 3-0 (25:22, 25:21, 25:17) victory over Sweden, but the big story of the evening in Naples was the rain over the open-air arena in Piazza del Plebiscito.
Nearly 6,000 spectators filled the stands for the official opening of the championship, but the rainfall reminded everyone of the risk of holding a volleyball match outdoors. The start was delayed by about 30 minutes due to the rain, and the weather caused problems even after the first whistle.
Italy started with Giannelli as setter, Romano as opposite, Lavia and Bottolo in reception, Galassi and Sanguinetti in the middle, and Balaso as libero.
The hosts took a 4-1 lead, and subsequently extended their advantage to 14-9. Sweden tried to stay close in the score, but a block by Bottolo made it 22-17. It was then that the weather intervened again. At 22-18, the rain intensified and the match was interrupted for a second time.
After nearly half an hour, the volleyball players returned to the court. Italy maintained their concentration, and Galassi ended the first set with an attack through the middle for 25-22. Due to the interruption, the set lasted a total of 63 minutes.
In the second set, Sweden put up more serious resistance.
After a 9-9 tie, the Scandinavians even took an 11-10 lead, which prompted Ferdinando De Giorgi to call a timeout. Bottolo restored Italy's lead with an ace for 12-11, and after 17-17, the hosts made the decisive break. Sanguinetti gave a two-point advantage, and an ace by Giannelli made it 20-17. Italy closed the set at 25-21.
The third set was significantly calmer for the 'Azzurri'. They took a 7-2 lead and did not allow Sweden to get back into the match. At 20-16, Alessandro Michieletto also appeared on the court, and Lavia scored the last point for 25-17.
Romano was the top scorer for the winners with 13 points, Sanguinetti added 12, Lavia finished with 11, Bottolo with 9, and Galassi with 7. Italy made 6 aces and 6 block points. For Sweden, Enlund scored 9 points, while Link and Ekstrand finished with 8 each.
The opening in Naples also had a significant protocol presence. The match was watched by the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, who, after the last point, went down to the court to congratulate the Italian national team.
Before the match and between the second and third sets, Planet Funk performed for the audience.
After the unusual open-air start, Italy moves to Modena, where the remaining matches of Group A will be played. The world champions' next opponent is Greece on September 12.
For Italy, the European Championship started with rain, two interruptions, and a clear victory. Or, as they say – they got off to a 'flying start'.
photos: cev.eu
