Iran Press/ Europe: Just a month after their victory at the 2023 Volleyball Nations League, the FIVB Volleyball World Rankings leaders topped the podium in Rome by producing an empathic three-set (25-20, 25-21, 25-23) victory against reigning world champions Italy in the gold medal match.
It was just the second victory of the Polish at the European Championship, with the first having happened back in 2009. The Poles also repeated what Türkiye accomplished a few weeks ago, lifting the European Championship trophy just a few weeks after their triumph in the VNL.
Star outside hitter Wilfredo Leon led the Polish offense against the Italians, producing a match-high 13 points with ten kills and three aces. He was also awarded as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Middle blocker Norbert Huber also had a great performance, delivering 12 points with five kills, five aces and two blocks.
Slovenia made it to the podium for a third-straight time, just like the Polish, by finishing third following a five-set (25-22, 25-16, 21-25, 18-25, 15-11) win over reigning Olympic champions France in the bronze medal match.
The three European Championship medalists will soon be back in action at the men’s Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournaments from September 30 to October 8. Poland will play in Pool C, against hosts China, Argentina, the Netherlands, Canada, Mexico, Belgium and Bulgaria.
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