Turkish women's volleyball team loses to Italy at Paris 2024 final

Players of Turkiye celebrate a point during the women's preliminary round Pool C volleyball match against Italy during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on August 4, 2024. (AA Photo)

The Turkish Women's volleyball team faced a tough defeat against Italy in their third and final match of Group C at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Italy won the match 3-0, securing the top spot in the group while Türkiye finished in second place.

Derya Cebecioglu (11), Hande Baladin (7) of Türkiye and Alessia Mazzaro (24), Indre Sorokaite (1) of Italy compete during the women's preliminary round Pool C volleyball match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on August 4, 2024. (AA Photo)Eda Erdem (14) and Cansu Ozbay (3) of Türkiye during the women's preliminary round Pool C volleyball match against Italy during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on August 4, 2024.(AA Photo)

The match, held at South Paris Arena, saw Italy start strong. They quickly established a 7-2 lead, prompting Türkiye's head coach Daniele Santarelli to call a timeout.

Despite the pause, Italy maintained their momentum, extending their lead to 13-4. The first set concluded with Italy winning 25-14.

Hande Baladin (7) of Türkiye celebrates during the women's preliminary round Pool C vvolleyball match against Italy during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on August 4, 2024.(AA Photo)Zehra Gunes (18), Melissa Vargas (L) and Hande Baladin (R) of Türkiye celebrate during the women's preliminary round Pool C volleyball match against Italy during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on August 4, 2024.(AA Photo)

Türkiye-Italy's second set close battle

In the second set, both teams initially matched each other point for point, reaching a 6-6 tie. Italy then pulled ahead, leading 13-10. Although Türkiye's Melissa Vargas and Hande Baladin made efforts to close the gap, Italy widened their lead to 20-15 and ultimately won the set 25-16.

Players of Türkiye celebrate a point during the women's preliminary round Pool C volleyball match against Italy during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on August 4, 2024.(AA Photo)Players of Turkiye celebrate a point during the women's preliminary round Pool C volleyball match against Italy during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on August 4, 2024.(AA Photo)

Türkiye's early lead against Italy in third set

The third set saw a more competitive start from Türkiye, who took an 8-6 lead. They maintained this advantage, reaching 16-12.

However, Italy quickly caught up, tying the score at 16-16. The final moments were closely contested, but Italy managed to win the set 25-21 and the match 3-0.

Players of Türkiye celebrate a point during the women's preliminary round Pool C volleyball match against Italy during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on August 4, 2024. (AA Photo)