The shockwaves rippled through Bergamo last night. Turkey didn’t just beat Italy; they dismantled them. In a friendly that felt like a final, the Turkish national volleyball team crushed the Azzurri 3-0, sending a clear message before the real battle begins in Canada.

A Masterclass in Pressure

Forget the pre-match talk. This was Turkey imposing their will. From the opening serve, the visitors controlled the tempo. The first set was a nail-biter, but when the pressure mounted, Italy cracked. Turkey closed it out 26:24. The second set followed a similar script. Italy tied it up at 22-22, but a thunderous serve from Bayram broke their spirit. 25:23. Turkey again.

The third set was a statement. A 5-0 start. Italy tried to rally with Porro and Rychlicki, getting within two points at 17-19, but Turkey’s defense was impenetrable. 25:21. Game, set, and match. The Turkish setter Yenipazar was named MVP, orchestrating the chaos with cold precision.

Italy’s Road to Canada

For coach Ferdinando De Giorgi, this loss stings but isn’t fatal. The Azzurri end their home preparation with a 2-1 record, having beaten teams in Cavalese and Verona earlier. Now, the real test awaits. After a brief rest, the squad regroups at the Foro Italico in Rome on June 4. On June 6, they fly to Canada for the first week of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League. Can they bounce back from this shock? Or is Turkey the new team to beat?