Italy defeats Sweden in outdoor EuroVolley opener in Naples

The Italian men's national volleyball team opened their EuroVolley campaign with a 3-0 victory over Sweden (25-22, 25-21, 25-17) in an unconventional outdoor setting at Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples. The match, played in a temporary arena before a sold-out crowd of approximately 6,000 spectators, was attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and various sports and political officials.

The event faced challenges due to inclement weather, with rain causing multiple delays and a suspension during the first set. Despite the rain and humidity, players from both teams insisted on completing the match. Captain Simone Giannelli noted the physical and mental difficulty of playing in such unique conditions. Following this victory, the Italian team will move to Modena for Pool A, where they are scheduled to face Greece on September 12.