Italy arrive at the final Pool A match of the European Volleyball Championship with the group in their hands, but Slovenia offer the last test before the knockout phase begins in Modena.
Ferdinando De Giorgi’s side have won all four of their matches so far, taking maximum points against Sweden, Greece, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Their opening 3-0 victory over Sweden came in Naples, and the overall record is equally emphatic: 12 sets won, only two lost.
Quick facts
- Italy lead Pool A on 12 points after four matches.
- The Czech Republic are second with eight points, followed by Slovenia and Greece on six.
- Sweden have one point, while Slovakia remain without a point.
- Finishing first would most likely set Italy up with Denmark in the round of 16.
- A loss in a tie-break could still be sufficient for Italy to retain top place.
The meeting at the PalaPanini is not merely a final group fixture. Belgium’s clear win over Serbia has altered the likely knockout bracket, giving Italy an added reason to protect first position rather than leave their route to the last 16 to other results.
If they complete the group at the summit, the Azzurri are expected to face Denmark. A lower finish could instead bring Serbia into the equation, making the final evening of Pool A relevant beyond the immediate contest with Slovenia.
There is also recent European history between the two sides. Italy and Slovenia have met three times at the tournament, with Slovenia winning the first encounter 3-1 in the 2015 semi-final.
Italy have since turned that record around. In 2021 they beat Slovenia 3-0 during the group stage before claiming a dramatic 3-2 victory in the final, a result that delivered the continental title.
De Giorgi’s team now enter another Slovenia match from a position of authority. Four victories have established their rhythm, but the last Pool A match will decide how cleanly Italy carry that work into the elimination rounds.
