Italvolley is hard at work; the countdown to the start of the European Championships has begun

The countdown is now in its final days. The Women’s National Team has completed its second day of training in Sweden, where it is preparing for its debut at the 2026 European Championships. On Friday, August 21, at 4:00 p.m. at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Coach Julio Velasco’s Azzurre will face Croatia in their first match of the continental tournament.

Italy has been placed in Pool D alongside Croatia, Montenegro, Sweden, Slovakia, and France. Five matches are scheduled for the group stage. After their debut against Croatia, the Italian team will return to the court on Saturday, August 22, at 3 p.m. against Montenegro and on Sunday, August 23, at 6 p.m. against the host team, Sweden. Following a rest day on Monday, August 24, the schedule features a match against Slovakia on Tuesday, August 25 (4:00 p.m.), before the final Pool D match on Wednesday, August 26, at 4:00 p.m. against France.

The team continues to train with great intensity both in the gym and on the field, while excitement builds for the start of the competition. Middle blocker Denise Meli, making her debut at a tournament of this level in the Italian national team jersey, shared the team’s feelings.

“We’re trying to make the most of our training in the gym so we can then play our best in the matches. We want to give it our all and be ready for our debut,” said Meli. “Personally, I’m a little nervous, but at the same time very happy to be part of this team, to be able to experience such an important competition, and to do so while wearing the Italian national team jersey. I’m ready to do my part whenever needed.”