Piazza del Plebiscito is the grand and historic square at the heart of Naples, surrounded by monumental buildings such as the Royal Palace and the Church of San Francesco di Paola. Often called the city’s “living room,” it is a central gathering place for locals and tourists alike, hosting cultural events, concerts, and celebrations. Its wide-open space and elegant architecture make it one of the most iconic landmarks in Napoli, reflecting the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere.

For the opening match of the 2026 Men’s European Volleyball Championship, Piazza del Plebiscito will be transformed into a spectacular arena. A temporary playing court and seating for 6,500 spectators will be installed, allowing fans to experience world-class volleyball in the heart of the city. This unique setup will combine the excitement of international sport with the beauty of one of Naples’ most famous landmarks, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike. The event highlights the ability of the city of Napoli to blend history, culture, and modern entertainment in a remarkable way.

The PalaPanini, officially known as the Palasport Giuseppe Panini, is one of Italy’s most iconic indoor sports arenas, located in Modena. Opened in 1985, it is named after Giuseppe Panini, founder of the famous Panini sticker company and a great supporter of Italian volleyball. The arena is the home of Modena Volley, one of the most successful and historic volleyball clubs in Europe.

With a capacity of around 5,000 spectators, the PalaPanini offers an intense and passionate atmosphere during matches, making it a true temple of Italian volleyball. Over the years, it has hosted national and international competitions, concerts, and cultural events, becoming a central hub for sports and entertainment in Modena.

Renowned for its excellent acoustics and modern facilities, the PalaPanini is more than just a sports venue — it is a symbol of Modena’s sporting tradition, community pride, and love for volleyball.

The PalaVela, located in Turin, is one of Italy’s most distinctive and elegant indoor arenas. Originally designed in 1961 by architect Franco Levi for the centenary of Italian unification, the structure is renowned for its unique sail-shaped roof, which inspired its name (“Vela” means “sail” in Italian). Completely renovated for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, the PalaVela hosted figure skating and short-track competitions, showcasing its modern design and versatility to the world.

Today, the arena is a multipurpose venue that accommodates a wide range of events, including sports competitions, concerts, exhibitions, and ice shows. With a capacity of about 9,000 spectators, it combines cutting-edge technology with architectural beauty.

The PalaVela stands as a symbol of Turin’s ability to blend tradition and innovation, reflecting the city’s dynamic spirit and its deep connection to both culture and sport on an international level.

Located in Assago, within the greater Milan metropolitan area, the Unipol Forum will host the semis and medal matches.

Opened in 1990, the venue covers 40,000 square metres and can accommodate up to 15,800 spectators for concerts, making it one of Europe’s leading multipurpose arenas. It was awarded the European Prize for Sports Architecture by CONI and the Council of Europe.

The venue averages around 50 events per year, including concerts, theatre performances, and major sporting competitions. It is the home court of Olimpia Milano, Italy’s most decorated basketball team, and also houses a wide array of facilities: a bowling alley, two swimming pools (one indoor, one outdoor), an ice rink, and courts for squash, padel, and five-a-side football.

This same venue played host to the final stage of the 2014 FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship.