Italian
The women’s Sitting volleyball national team wins five out of five matches and secures the Golden Nations League 2026
LEIPZIG (GERMANY) – Perfect performance for the women’s Sitting volleyball national team. In the first edition of the Golden Nations League 2026, organized in Leipzig by ParaVolley Europe, Italy wins all five matches played. An unblemished journey, marked only by one set conceded to the home team of Germany.
Decisive for the title win was the victory against Slovenia, also by 3-0, with standout performances for the defending European champions from Cirelli with 23 points and Ceccatelli with 17.
An excellent performance especially in view of the upcoming World Championships that will take place in China in July.
The scorecard
ITALY – SLOVENIA 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-16)
Italy: Bellandi 7, Pedrelli 3, Ceccatelli 17, Cirelli 23, Barigelli, Battaglia 6, Spediacci, Sarzi, Ceccon 5, Blasi (L), Coach D’Aniello
Slovenia: Ferjan 3, Jeler 2, Ocepek 8, Vrabic 11, Brik 16, Kocmur 2, Kodric, Coach Pokleka
Duration: 22’, 18’, 17’
Italy: 17 a, 3 bs, 9 mv, 17 et
Slovenia: 6 a, 4 bs, 4 mv, 26 et
The statements
These are the words of the coach Pasquale d’Aniello: “I would say we are very satisfied, because winning in the Golden League was one of our goals for this season. A tournament like this is very important also in view of preparing for the World Championships, which we will play in July in China. We expected some responses: the team needs to improve in certain aspects to face the difficulties that can arise in a match. I must say we come out strengthened after this event. The girls performed really well and we gave no chance to any opponent.
The rare moments of difficulty were managed well, and we leave Leipzig with great satisfaction for what we have accomplished. We are aware that the upcoming events will see us as protagonists again, because we have the great work we are doing on our side. I want to add that these athletes are truly commendable for what they have given in the past and for what I am sure they will give again in the future. We, the staff, work with a truly exceptional group.”.
Sara Cirelli: “This tournament went very well and we are happy to have won this trophy again, after 2024. We are pleased to have started the season this way and to have won all the matches, losing only one set against the home team of Germany. I am also satisfied with the overall attitude we had from the beginning to the end of the tournament. It was a great boost of confidence looking ahead to the World Cup.”
Italy’s results at the 2026 Golden Nations League
ITALY – SLOVENIA 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-16)
UKRAINE – ITALY 0-3 (11-25, 20-25, 15-25)
ITALY – FRANCE 3-0 (25-10, 25-9, 25-7)
ITALY – GERMANY 3-1 (25-14, 25-16, 25-27, 25-12)
ITALY – NETHERLANDS 3-0 (28-26, 25-15, 25-16)
Photo Credits: comitatoparalimpico.it
