Brazil Women’s Volleyball Beats Italy 3-2 in VNL, Bruninha Says She’s Ready for Next Cycle

Brazil’s senior women’s volleyball team finished the first leg of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League unbeaten, defeating Italy 3‑2 in a tightly contested match before nearly 10,000 fans at Brasília’s Nilson Nelson Gymnasium. The victory, secured by a 15‑12 tie‑break in the deciding set, kept Brazil’s perfect record and ended Italy’s 39‑match unbeaten streak.

Setter Bruninha, who was part of the squad but did not play, described the experience as a turning point in her career, saying she feels “being prepared for the next cycle.” She highlighted the intense atmosphere, the support of Brazilian fans, and the mentorship of veteran coach Fofão, noting the valuable learning she gained despite not taking the court. Bruninha affirmed she will continue training and respect the process as she aims for future opportunities, including the Los Angeles‑2028 cycle.

The team, led by coach José Roberto Guimarães, will next face France, Belgium, China and Germany in Ankara, Turkey, while the men’s squad begins its VNL campaign later in June.