Italy Dominates Denmark, Advances to European Championship Quarter-finals

TURIN-A strong performance from the Italian men's national volleyball team saw them defeat Denmark 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-11) at the PalaVela in Turin, earning a spot in the 2026 European Championship quarter-finals.

The Italian squad, playing confidently throughout the match, secured a deserved win. This victory marks a perfect record for Giannelli and his teammates, with five wins in the group stage followed by this crucial knockout victory against the Danish team coached by Knudsen.

Italy will face Finland in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, September 23rd, at 9:05 PM. Finland advanced by defeating Greece 3-2. The match will be broadcast on Rai 2, Sky Sport, and DAZN, with additional streaming options on eurovolley.tv and RaiNews.it.

Coach De Giorgi started with Giannelli and Romanò as the setter-opposite pair, Lavia and Bottolo as outside hitters, Sanguinetti and Mati as middle blockers, and Balaso as libero.

Denmark's starting lineup featured Jacobsen setting, Nielsen and Jensen at opposite, Madsen and Kjaer as outside hitters, Uhrenholt and Mikelsons in the middle, and Petersen as libero.

Italy started the first set strong, taking an early 4-1 lead. Sanguinetti's attack extended the advantage to 6-4. Denmark kept pace, trailing by just one point at 8-7. Romanò's offensive prowess pushed Italy to an 11-8 lead, prompting Denmark's first timeout. Despite Denmark closing the gap to 13-11, Mati's block re-established a five-point lead at 17-12, leading to another Danish timeout. Bottolo scored to make it 22-15. However, Italy conceded three straight points (22-18), leading to an Italian timeout. An ace from Jensen brought Denmark within one point (23-22), and the Italian coach called another timeout. Italy secured the set 25-22 with a winning block from Mati.

The second set saw Italy again take an early lead, with Sanguinetti's ace making it 5-3, followed by Lavia extending the advantage to 6-3. Mati's block contributed to a 9-5 score. Italy maintained control, with Sanguinetti scoring for a 14-7 lead. Michieletto replaced Bottolo at 18-13, and immediately scored for a 19-13 advantage. A spectacular play saw Michieletto set Giannelli for a point, making it 22-15. Italy closed the set 25-16, demonstrating consistent control.

Italy began the third set well, leading 4-1. Sani came on to serve for Sanguinetti at 19-9. The dominant Italian side closed the set 25-11, paving their way to the quarter-final match against Finland.

Match Details

ITALY-DENMARK 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-11)

ITALY: Mati 11, Giannelli 2, Bottolo 4, Sanguinetti 11, Romanò 14, Lavia 8, Balaso (L). Michieletto 6, Sani. Not played: Laurenzano, Sbertoli, Rychlicki, Galassi, Porro. Coach: De Giorgi.

DENMARK: Kjaer 4, Uhrenholt 4, Jensen 14, Madsen 13, Mikelsons, Jacobsen, Petersen (L). Nielsen, Hoff, Dahl, Mikkelsen, Larsen, Brinck. Not played: Denholt. Coach: Knudsen.

Set Duration: 37’, 28’, 25’

Italy: 4 aces, 10 service errors, 15 attack errors, 13 reception errors

Denmark: 5 aces, 12 service errors, 1 attack error, 19 reception errors

Spectators: 7580