The European Volleyball Confederation officially announced that Turin will host the men's Champions League Final Four in 2026. The decisive matches for the most prestigious European club trophy will be held in Palasport Olimpico (Inalpi Arena) – a venue that already has a significant volleyball history.
The news comes with an important highlight – initially, the Final Four was planned for another Italian city.
From Milan to Turin – what changed?
Months ago, it was clear that Italy would host the final tournament. However, CEV's initial choice was Milan and the new modern PalaItalia Santa Giulia hall – a facility with a capacity of approximately 16,000 spectators, built with Olympic competitions in mind.
Ultimately, this option was dropped. The reason is not financial, but purely calendrical – the only possible period for hosting the Final Four was already booked with another event in the venue. This necessitated urgent reorganization and the selection of a new host.
Thus, CEV turned to a proven solution – Turin.
Palasport Olimpico – an arena with history.
The 2026 Final Four will be held in Palasport Olimpico, also known as Inalpi Arena. This is not just a compromise option, but a venue with strong symbolism for European and world volleyball.
It was there that:
In 2018, Poland won the men's world title.
In 2023, ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle triumphed for the third consecutive time in the Champions League.
In the same edition, Jastrzębski Węgiel played in the final and finished in second place.
In other words – the arena has already proven that it can be a stage for top-tier matches with maximum tension.
Italy retains the final for longer.
According to unofficial information, the contract for organizing the men's Final Four is not limited to the 2026 edition. This means that Italy could establish itself as a long-term hub for the Champions League Final Four.
The trend is clear – CEV relies on security, infrastructure, and a guaranteed market. Italian venues, logistics, and audience meet the high demands of modern club volleyball.
The change of city is not a crisis, but a management decision dictated by calendar limitations. Milan was the first choice, but Turin proved to be the reliable and logical option.
And when we talk about a venue where world titles have been won and Champions League trophies have been lifted, one thing is certain – the stage for the decisive matches in 2026 is already set.
