Turkey's Comeback Victory Over Italy in EuroVolley 2026 Final: A Win of Resilience or Home Advantage?

I still remember the days when the stands were packed for men's football, while the girls had to wait until late at night to get on air. But last Sunday evening in Istanbul, more than 17,000 spectators witnessed one of the most dramatic women's volleyball finals in Europe in this decade. Turkey, backed by the passionate home crowd, staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Italy 3-2, successfully defending the EuroVolley title they won in 2026. The context of the match was truly special. Italy entered the final as reigning Olympic and world champions. They are the absolute dominant force in global women's volleyball. Turkey, despite playing at home, was still slightly underrated against an Italian squad with formidable roster depth. But sport, as I have said many times, is first and foremost about human stories. And the Turkish girls showed they understand that better than anyone. The first four sets played out like a rollercoaster ride. Italy easily took the first set 25-16, then won the third set by a large margin of 25-12. But in between, Turkey claimed the second set 25-22 and the fourth set 25-21. With the score at 2-2, the match entered a decisive fifth set. There, amid the frenzy of tens of thousands of home fans, Turkey played a composed set to win 15-10. What I treasure most about women's football is not the victory, but how they rise after being knocked down by prejudice. And the same applies to women's volleyball. Turkey didn't just win on points. They won on spirit, on the ability to get up after losing two sets by large margins. From a hastily written blog in 2026, I never expected this path to stretch across so many matches. And this final taught me a new lesson about human resilience. Based on my experience following matches, I notice an important point: home-court advantage in women's volleyball is not just a statistic. It is a living entity. When more than 17,000 spectators roar after every point, it creates an energy that no closed gym can replicate. Italy played well in moments when the pressure wasn't overwhelming, but in the fifth set, when everything weighed heavily on their shoulders, the pressure from the stands seemed to make the difference. But I also want to address a blind spot that many might overlook. This victory, though sweet, also raises questions about the sustainability of success. Turkey has successfully defended their European title, but they need to look further ahead: the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics await. The four teams that reached the semifinals of this tournament – Turkey, Italy, Serbia, and Poland – have all secured qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup. This reflects the depth of European women's volleyball, but it also means competition will only intensify. I left the Russia World Cup with a sense of injustice. It hasn't faded; it has transformed into energy. And I see a similar transformation in the Turkish national team. They didn't just win this match; they turned pre-tournament skepticism into motivation. Italy, as reigning Olympic and world champions, will certainly come back stronger. But Turkey has sent a clear message: they are no longer the challenger, but a true force. People say I write too personally. But I believe: it is precisely the personal that gives voice. And when I look at this final, I don't just see numbers. I see girls who trained for hours in the dark, coaches who stayed up all night analyzing video, families who sacrificed so their children could pursue their dreams. This victory didn't come from a moment of luck; it is the culmination of thousands of days of relentless effort. The question now is: will this victory change how the media and sponsors view women's volleyball? I hope so, but I'm not overly optimistic. The injustices I witnessed from the 2026 Russia World Cup still exist. Female journalists are still pushed behind barriers. Empty stands for women's matches still exist in many countries. But last Sunday evening in Istanbul, with more than 17,000 spectators, I saw a glimmer of hope. A small glimmer, but enough to continue the fight. Turkey has written a new page in the history of European women's volleyball. And that, to me, matters more than any medal.