Volleyball. European Champions! The CUS Bologna Girls Win Their Fourth European Title

Fourth victory, fourth triumph. But what an effort. What a beautiful and gratifying effort. The University of Bologna is on top of Europe in women's volleyball after a real battle against the Croatian girls from Zagreb. It ended 3-0 (25-14, 28-26, 25-23), but the Cus Bologna team, led by Leonardo Palladino, had to summon all their talent and grit to overcome a group of Croatian girls who never give up.

The first set went smoothly: after all, the University of Bologna, in this exciting journey in Miskolc, lost only one set in the first game against Ljubljana. Then it was always 3-0 victories. Just like in 2023.

In the second set, the pattern seemed the same: Unibo sped ahead and led 20-15. But when the 2-0 seemed to be served on a silver platter, something jammed. One, two, three consecutive blocks by the Croatians. A bit of nervousness set in, the blocks became five: Zagreb first tied at 20, then escaped, 21-23.

A team without heart would have raised the white flag. Not Cus Bologna, which tied, overtook, but then conceded two set points to Zagreb. Closing the accounts at 28, Fontemaggi, Mazzon, and Mason stepped in.

It was 2-0 for Bologna. Zagreb had lost a great opportunity. But they were not afraid: they started very well, 0-5. Cus took the lead at 13-10, but it was destined to suffer until the end, 19-21. Zagreb saw the opportunity to turn things around, reopen the match. But they did not account for the great heart of the red and white: a mini-partial of 6-2 and everyone was on the field celebrating.

"We are the European champions," sang our happy girls. It is the fourth European title. A nice streak considering that in May, always with Leonardo Palladino's girls, but with a different team, they also won the CNU, which are the national university championships.

From Campobasso to Miskolc, Hungary, it is always a joy for Cus Bologna. And the Hungarian night is coloured white and red for everyone's joy.

It is the triumph of our Bologna institution, unmatched at the Italian level. The University of Bologna was the first to win at the continental level - first with men's basketball, then with women's volleyball - and it is not yet tired of winning.

"It went as we expected," says Leo Palladino, who has almost lost his voice. "The first set went by quickly, then the Croatians started to get serious. At 20-15, we suffered a 0-7 break. Then we did well, we regrouped and took control of the match again. It was the decisive set for the final victory. We struggled in the third set too. But at that point, everything was already written. We won, we are European champions. For the fourth time."

"No one like us," shouts team manager Serena Vece. There is no doubt for the team captain, Chiara Mason. "It is difficult to describe in words the emotions felt with this team, with this jersey. Wearing the Cus Bologna jersey has always been a great honour and we are all honoured and very happy to have been able to add a fourth, historic star to this beautiful uniform. Today's result was by no means a given, but it was certainly very much desired. We came here to win, the goal was that, undeniably, and by playing as a team and having fun together, we achieved it. Thanks again to all the staff and management for supporting and accompanying us in this European event! We are European champions!"

Cus Bologna Lineup: Greta Monaco, Chiara Mason 15, Dalila Modestino 7, Matilde Giardi, Blerona Tasholli 1, Mariaelena Aluigi, Sofia Migliorini, Stefania Bernabè 6, Sara Fontemaggi 6, Alessia Mazzon 15, Sofia Taiani, Giulia Galletti 6, Sophie Andrea Blasi, Beatrice Bacchilega. Coach: Leonardo Palladino. Assistant: Ilaria Gaiani. Team manager: Serena Vece.