The triumphant Italian women`s volleyball team returned home to a hero`s welcome at Malpensa Airport on Monday, fresh from securing their second FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship title. Their dramatic five-set victory over Türkiye in Bangkok marked a historic achievement, igniting widespread national jubilation.
After an overnight flight from Thailand, which included a stop in Dubai, the “Azzurre” touched down at 14:30 local time. Captain Anna Danesi led the team into the arrivals hall, proudly hoisting the championship trophy high above her head. The terminal erupted with thunderous cheers and applause, and the players were met with an overwhelming outpouring of affection from the crowd, momentarily leaving them speechless by the scale of the reception.
Despite the palpable exhaustion from their extensive journey, the squad graciously engaged with their adoring fans, pausing for countless selfies, autographs, and interviews. They visibly absorbed the immense magnitude of their accomplishment and the public`s appreciation. Federation officials, including Vice President Massimo Sala, councillor Silvia Strigazzi, and Lombardy regional president Piero Cezza, were also prominently present, underscoring the nation`s profound pride in their victorious return.
Their hard-fought 3-2 win (25-23, 13-25, 26-24, 19-25, 15-8) in Sunday’s final in Bangkok culminated an extraordinary 15-month period of unparalleled dominance. During this remarkable stretch, Italy also claimed consecutive Volleyball Nations League titles and Olympic gold in Paris, extending an impressive and unbroken winning streak to 36 matches across major tournaments.
This latest triumph solidified a rare and coveted “triple crown” for Italy, as they now simultaneously hold the World Championship, Olympic, and Volleyball Nations League titles. Historically, only two other women’s national teams—China in the early 1980s and Cuba at the turn of the millennium—have ever managed to achieve this remarkable feat, placing Italy in an elite category of volleyball legends.
Setter Alessia Orro, a pivotal and orchestrating figure in Italy’s golden generation, was deservedly honored as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Setter. She was joined in the prestigious Dream Team by defensive stalwart libero Monica De Gennaro and formidable middle blocker Anna Danesi, further highlighting Italy`s comprehensive strength and depth across all positions.
In the tense final match, Paola Egonu delivered a powerful performance with 22 points, ably supported by outside hitter Myriam Sylla who contributed 19 points. Ekaterina Antropova, coming off the bench, made crucial and decisive plays that shifted momentum. Head coach Julio Velasco lauded the team as “legendary,” commending their unwavering resilience and mental fortitude through two challenging five-set battles in the tournament`s closing stages, a true testament to their championship mettle.
This momentous victory further solidifies Italy’s esteemed legacy in international volleyball. Following their inaugural World Championship title in 2002, a silver medal in 2018, and a bronze in 2022, the team now boasts two world championships and a total of four medals at the tournament. While the domestic celebrations are just commencing and promise to be extensive, the Azzurre`s unparalleled place in volleyball history is undeniably secured for generations to come.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood