Zoran Terzic, the coach of the Serbian women's national team, criticized the trend of mass naturalizations in the Turkish team. The reason for his comment was a question about the favorites for the upcoming World Championship in Thailand, which starts on the 22nd of this month. We remind you that Antonina Zetova's girls are in the same group as the team led by Daniele Santarelli.

Criticism of Turkish practice

Turkey currently has four naturalized volleyball players –Melissa Vargas,Alexia Carutasu,Sinead Jack-Kisal andMeliha Ismailoglu. According to the regulations of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), only two of them can be included in the match squad simultaneously.

"If Turkey played only with Turkish athletes, there would be no problem. But things in volleyball and in the world are changing. Before, it was unthinkable to have more than one naturalized volleyball player, now the Turks have two, soon there might be three, four… or the whole team," Terzic commented toSportklub.

Favorites for the title

The Serbian specialist pointed to Italy – the current Olympic champion and two-time winner of the Nations League trophy – as the main candidate for gold. It should not be forgotten that Serbia itself is the reigning two-time world champion.

"Italy is the big favorite in this tournament, looking at their previous results. They continue to play at a very high level. There would be no greater pleasure for me than to play another final against them, as in 2018," Terzic said.

Opinion on Brazil

Terzic also mentioned Brazil – silver medalist from the last edition of the VNL and bronze medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics:

"Brazil is always in the fight for medals. They have a very good squad. Ana Cristina's injury is a serious blow, but I still think they have an excellent team."

photo: Nikolay Varadinov