EuroVolleyW 2023: Can Italy confirm European supremacy?

In exactly two weeks (on August 15), the reigning EuroVolleyW champions of Italy will start their journey towards defending their European title. The opening match of Europe’s top competition will feature the Italian team and Romania, and will take place in the historic Arena di Verona - a perfect setting for one of the favourites for the trophy to get inspiration for the exciting weeks ahead. However, the task of confirming European supremacy will not be an easy one to complete - can the Italian ladies do it?

No other counry has (co-) hosted more European Championships than Italy (5), which will be, for sure, an additional inspirational boost for the Italians as they are organising the 2023 event together with Belgium, Estonia and Germany. Matches from the pool phase will take place in as many as three Italian cities (Verona, Monza, Torino), while the ones of the eight finals and quarter finals phase are scheduled to happen in another picturesque place - Florence. 

Where they stand at?

Italy won their third #EuroVolleyW Gold back in 2021, dethroning no other than the team of Serbia (who were, by that time, back-to-back continental titleholders). The title for the Italians came in after 12 years, as the previous two trophies were won back in 2007 and 2009. Besides that, this was the eight time in their history, when Italy grab a medal from the European Championship. 

The star opposite Paola Egonu was chosen MVP of the tournament, while after an open voting (where more than 2 million fans votes were cast), setter Alessia Orro, middle blocker Anna Danesi, outside hitters Myriam Sylla and Elena Pietrini, and libero Monica di Gennaro made it to the Dream team of the competition.

The 2023 opponents

But to move to Florence for the knockout games, the Italian team will first have to pass through the first phase of the competition, locking horns with Romania, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Croatia in Pool B.

Considered big favourites in this group, the Italians are expected to pass through the pool phase facing no big problems.Bulgaria could probably be the toughest opponent for the them, as the Bulgarian Lionesses remain the only existing country to have a winning record against the Italians at the European Championships (six wins, three losses). Croatia, who had great performances on the European national stage back in the 90s’, have been stepping up on their games inthe  recent years as well. The other teams in the Pool are not to be underestimated, as all of them are ready to deliver EuroVolleyW surprises. 

The roster

The Italians were given a few days off after the 2023 VNL Finals, and started their preparation for EuroVolleyW on July 24 in Florence. The head coach Davide Mazzanti called up 18 athletes. Myriam Sylla, Anna Danesi and Beatrice Parrocchiale joined their teammates three days later on 27 July. 

The choice of Mazzanti:

Setters: Francesca Bosio, Giulia Gennari and Alessia Orro.

Opposites: Paola Egonu and Sylvia Nwakalor.

Middle blockers: Alessia Mazzaro, Anna Danesi, Federica Squarcini, Marina Lubian and Sarah Fahr (Fahr, however, has already left the training camp; after a medical evaluation it was agreed that the player would return back to training with her club where she can continue with her recovery).

Spikers: Loveth Omoruyi, Francesca Villani, Myriam Sylla, Elena Pietrini, Caterina Bosetti and Alice Degradi.

Liberos: Eleonora Fersino and Beatrice Parrocchiale.

Three are the big names that are missing from this group - setter Ofelia Malinov, libero Monica de Gennaro, and middle blocker Cristina Chirichella. 

VNL 2023 

Before focusing on EuroVolleyW, the Italian ladies took part in the Volleyball Nations League. They made it to the Final round, but finished on 6th place, leaving the competition without medal. On the contrary, in 2022, they lifted the trophy. 

Tren Italia: to the EuroVolleyW cities by train

All the EuroVolleyW fans can benefit from a special offer by Tren Italia. Using the code “EUROVOLLEY23” supporters can travel to the cities where the matches will take place, with discounts of up to 80% in their tickets. 

The ones who are not in Italy and cannot enjoy the show on site, can subscribe on EuroVolley.TV to experience the emotion.