Both Czechia and Italy continued their flawless runs in the CEV U16 Volleyball European Championship 2025 on Monday. In Pool II action in Prishtina, Czechia secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Montenegro (25-19, 25-22, 25-17). Meanwhile, in Pool I in Tirana, Italy also stayed undefeated by defeating Bulgaria 3-1.
With five victories in as many matches, Czechia demonstrated their characteristic consistency and composure. Although Montenegro offered initial resistance in a balanced opening set, Czechia established control with precise attacking and strong defence to take it 25-19. The second set was tighter, as Montenegro improved their side-out efficiency, but Czechia`s focus towards the end proved decisive, securing a 25-22 victory. In the third set, Czechia maintained control from start to finish, executing with clarity and minimizing errors, leading to a 25-17 finish and their third straight-set win of the tournament.
This result keeps Czechia`s record unblemished at 5-0, leading Pool II with two matches still to play. Montenegro, now 2-3, will need strong performances in their remaining group-stage encounters to stay in contention.
Elsewhere in Pool II, Greece kept their semi-final hopes alive with a dramatic 3-2 win over Slovenia (25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11) in a back-and-forth battle featuring momentum swings and extended rallies. Greece took the first set, but Slovenia fought back to level. Greece narrowly won the third, but Slovenia forced a decider. In the fifth set, Greece showed greater composure to seal the match 15-11.
With this victory, Greece improves to 3-2 and remains firmly in contention for a semi-final spot, while Slovenia, now at 1-4, faces a difficult path forward.
Türkiye delivered one of their most composed performances of the tournament, defeating Croatia in straight sets (25-16, 25-21, 25-20). Türkiye took control early with aggressive serving and organised net play. Croatia attempted to respond, but Türkiye maintained consistency, securing the win in three sets. Türkiye improves to four wins and one loss, strengthening their position in the top half of Pool II, while Croatia now stands at two wins and three losses.
Hungary returned to winning ways with a commanding 3-0 victory over host nation Kosovo (25-7, 25-18, 25-7). After consecutive five-set losses, Hungary started strongly, dominating the first set with relentless pressure. Kosovo showed more energy in the second set but Hungary maintained control. The third set mirrored the first, with Hungary asserting complete dominance. Hungary improves to three wins and two losses, staying in the race for the semi-finals. Kosovo continues their European Championship debut searching for their first win.
Tuesday will be a rest day for Pool II teams. The final two rounds of group play will take place on Wednesday and Thursday in Prishtina, as the battle for the top two spots and a place in the semi-finals reaches its decisive phase.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood