Italvolley: Egonu and Antropova Make a Spectacular Debut at the European Championships
Italy got off to a winning start at the CEV Trendyol EuroVolley 2026. At the Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Julio Velasco’s Italian team defeated Croatia 3-0 (25-9, 25-22, 25-23) after a match they controlled with authority, demonstrating consistency, a solid block-defense coordination, and quality in all the fundamentals. It was a convincing national team, with depth in attack and organization in the back row, capable even of weathering a tough second set against a Croatia side that never gave up. The Italian team was able to bounce back during difficult moments and intelligently manage the flow of the game. Supporting the team were Federation President Giuseppe Manfredi, who arrived in Gothenburg late yesterday evening, and the many Italian fans who had traveled from all over Sweden. Italy will take the court again tomorrow, Saturday, August 22, at 3:00 p.m., against Montenegro on the second day of Pool D.
Velasco starts Orro at setter, Egonu at opposite, Sylla and Antropova as outside hitters, Danesi and Fahr at middle blocker, and Fersino as libero. Croatia responds with Antunovic at setter, Fabris as opposite, Grabic and Grbavica as outside hitters, Butigan and Strunjak as middle blockers, and Stimac as libero. Italy hits the ground running and surges to an 8-1 lead, driven by Antropova, Fahr, and Danesi. The Croatians struggle to build their offense, while Italy’s serves consistently put the opposing reception under pressure. Orro sets with precision, Egonu lands powerful spikes, and Fahr finishes to make it 14-4.
Croatia tries to fight back with Strunjak, but Sylla and Antropova are unstoppable on the counterattack. Danesi and Fahr make the difference at the net, and Italy pulls decisively ahead at 21-8. The block-defense synergy works perfectly, and Fahr scores the point that seals the set at 25-9. In the second set, Croatia changes its pace and manages to keep up with the Azzurre. After an even start, Fabris and Grbavica push the visitors to a 12-7 lead. Velasco brings in Spirito for Antropova, and Italy tries to close the gap. Fersino makes some spectacular defensive plays, while Egonu steps up the offense.
Italy fights back and ties the score at 14-14. Sylla also scored the ace that put Italy ahead, then Egonu gave the Azzurre a 16-14 lead. Croatia didn’t give up, and the set remained tight until 21-20, when Danesi took charge at the net. Antropova scores the point to make it 23-21 after a great defensive play by Sylla, then Egonu places a precise lob, and Danesi finishes from the center for a 25-22 win. In the third set, the two teams remain neck and neck. At 10-9, Italy tried to pick up the pace, relying mainly on Egonu and Antropova, who also scored crucial points on her serve. The Croatians, however, fought back and managed to tie the score at 22-22.
In the closing moments, the Italian team kept their composure and found the decisive spark. Spirito’s ace sealed the match, making it 25-23 and securing the final 3-0 victory. A clear and convincing win for Italy, which got off to the best possible start in its European campaign and is already preparing for the match against Montenegro.
