Historic Volleyball Upset
Finland stuns reigning world champion Italy to reach European volleyball semifinals
Anonymous
Poland and France are set to meet in the 2026 European Men’s Volleyball Championship final in Assago, with the match airing free-to-air on Rai 2 and streaming on Rai platforms. Finland’s run to the semifinals was the tournament’s major surprise: it rallied to beat reigning world champion Italy 3–2 in the quarterfinals, ending Italy’s campaign on home soil. Finland’s victory, powered by Joonas Jokela and Luka Marttila, matched the team’s best-ever European Championship finish, fourth place in 2007. Italy’s loss was widely described as a squandered opportunity, though reports noted Finland’s resilience and organization.
Key Points
1
Finland had not beaten Italy in a competitive volleyball match for 48 years before its quarterfinal victory.
2
Finland coach Oli Kunnari said the pressure seemed to suit his players: “The players trust each other and know what they can provide in those moments.”
3
Italy led 12–10 in the fifth-set tiebreak before Finland came back to win; Italy also lacked a fully fit Alessandro Michieletto, who had only just recovered and was not at his best.
4
The European Championship winner earns the first qualification quota for the LA28 Olympic volleyball tournament.
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