The third week of the Women`s Volleyball Nations League 2025 in Apeldoorn promises thrilling action, featuring past champions Italy and Turkiye. These powerhouse teams, along with reigning world champions Serbia, boasting star opposite Tijana Boskovic, are set to captivate fans.
Serbian star Tijana Boskovic ready to go for VNL.
Alongside these formidable contenders, the Apeldoorn leg of the tournament in Pool 7 will also host Belgium, Czechia, and the Netherlands. The teams are currently positioned in the VNL standings, which will influence their journey through the competition.
A packed schedule awaits in Apeldoorn from July 9 to 13, with a total of 12 matches on the docket. Each of the six participating teams — Belgium, Czechia, Italy, the Netherlands, Serbia, and Turkiye — will compete in four matches. Wednesday and Sunday will feature three games each, while Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will host two matches daily.
The inclusion of captain Tijana Boskovic in Serbia`s squad for this week is a significant development, albeit an anticipated one, especially given Serbia`s current struggles in the VNL. The team remains winless, sitting at the bottom of the table in 18th place with an 0-8 record and just 5 points. After losing five tie-breaker sets, Serbia desperately needs Boskovic`s leadership and prowess to turn their fortunes around and secure crucial victories for VNL survival.
While Serbia`s chances for a spot in the Finals in Lodz appear slim at this stage, the other five teams in Apeldoorn maintain strong qualification prospects. Serbia`s opening match in Apeldoorn on Wednesday, July 9, at 13:00 local time (11:00 UTC), will be against VNL newcomers Czechia. Czechia has impressed during their debut season, currently positioned just outside the Finals cutoff in ninth place with a 4-4 record and 10 points.
Italy, with an impeccable 8-0 record and 22 points, is virtually guaranteed a spot in the Finals. The Olympic champions are poised to continue their title defense. Turkiye, the 2023 VNL winners, are also in a strong position for Lodz, holding fourth place with a 7-1 record and 19 points. A highly anticipated showdown between Italy and Turkiye is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, at 19:00 (17:00 UTC).
In a geographically significant matchup, Belgium and hosts Netherlands are closely ranked in the VNL standings. The Dutch team is in 12th place (3-5, 10 points), while Belgium is two spots below in 14th (3-5, 8 points). Their match on Thursday at 20:30 (18:30 UTC) is expected to draw considerable local interest.
The VNL Preliminary Phase comprises three competition weeks, with each of the 18 teams playing a total of 12 matches. The top eight national teams from this phase will advance to the Finals, which will be hosted in Lodz, Poland, from July 23 to 27. As the host nation, Poland automatically secures a spot in the Finals.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick