EuroVolley confirms strength in depth of European Volleyball

European Volleyball has never been as competitive as it is these days – and the incredibly successful CEV EuroVolley 2021 Men held across four countries – Poland, Czech Republic, Estonia and Finland – does cement such a strong statement even further.

With a roster including only six of the 12 players that had contested the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics earlier this summer, an incredibly young and talented Team Italy claimed the continental title in Katowice – the first such honour for their country in men’s Volleyball since the 2005 edition. Simone Giannelli emerged as the EuroVolley MVP as his class, experience, leadership and fighting spirit played a leading role in steering such a young group to a truly remarkable success.

The strength in depth of European Volleyball is even more evident if you look at France and Russia – the gold and silver medal winners from Tokyo 2020, whose EuroVolley journey ended prematurely in the 8^th and quarterfinals, respectively, following losses to the Czech Republic and Poland.

The co-hosts of this championship and two-time reigning world champions Poland were looking for redemption after failing to reach the semis at the Tokyo Olympics and they delivered a superb performance in their quarterfinal match with Russia. However, Michal Kubiak, Wilfredo Leon & Co. lost to Slovenia in the semis and eventually had to be content with the bronze medals.

The co-hosts of this championship and two-time reigning world champions Poland were looking for redemption after failing to reach the semis at the Tokyo Olympics and they delivered a superb performance in their quarterfinal match with Russia. However, Michal Kubiak, Wilfredo Leon & Co. lost to Slovenia in the semis and eventually had to be content with the bronze medals.

Speaking of depth, 2019 European champions Serbia finished off the podium this time around, whereas Slovenia cemented their role of Volleyball powerhouse even further with their third silver medal across the four last editions of the continental championship.

What is obvious and the conclusion that we can draw from this tournament is that the future of European Volleyball is in very good hands, with up-and-coming stars such as Italy’s Alessandro Michieletto, Slovenia’s Rok Mozic or Jakub Kochanowski of Poland and Turkey’s Adis Lagumdzija ready to take centre stage as they have already made a name for themselves.

Next year’s World Championship in Russia will be the next opportunity to confirm the strength in depth and quality of European Volleyball, before the top 24 teams from the continent return to battle for the EuroVolley crown in 2023.