Türkiye rallied from two sets down to beat Italy 3-2 in a dramatic final in Istanbul on Sunday, successfully defending their European women's volleyball championship and securing a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Playing before a packed crowd at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall, the Turkish women overcame Italy in a thrilling five-set final to claim their second consecutive European title and their second championship overall.
The victory capped a dominant 2026 campaign for the defending champions, who also secured the European crown on home soil after a tournament filled with tense matches and strong performances.
Türkiye reached the final for the fourth time in European Championship history. They finished second in Group A behind Poland with four victories and one loss, defeating Latvia, Slovenia, Hungary and Germany while falling to Poland.
The team then moved through the knockout stage without dropping a set against Azerbaijan, beating them 3-0 in the round of 16. Germany were next, with Türkiye winning 3-1 in the quarterfinals before sweeping Serbia 3-0 in the semifinals.
