Why Bergamo? Why Now?

The Italian national team has spent the past two weeks in Val di Fiemme fine-tuning their game ahead of the Nations League, where they’ll face Canada, Brazil, and the U.S. In the opening round. But this match against Turkey—who beat Italy 3-2 in their last meeting in Cavalese—is a mandatory reality check.

“Bergamo is a city with incredible energy for volleyball,” De Giorgi told reporters after the team’s arrival. “Playing here in front of our fans will give us a different kind of motivation. But against Turkey, we can’t afford to underestimate them. They’ve been consistent at the top for years, and we need to prove we’re still a world-class team.”

Key context: Italy’s last two friendlies—against Belgium (a 3-2 win) and Turkey (a 3-1 loss)—highlighted their resilience but also exposed vulnerabilities in transition defense and serve reception under pressure. Bergamo’s ChorusLife Arena, with its intimate 5,000-seat capacity, will amplify every mistake.

Who’s Starting? Italy’s Depth vs. Turkey’s Firepower

De Giorgi has called up 17 players, including nine from the 2025 world championship roster. Here’s the projected lineup with tactical roles:

Turkey’s threat: Their lineup includes Ömercan Bura (2025 FIVB MVP) and Berkay Bayram, a middle blocker with a 3.1 blocks-per-set average—higher than any Italian in 2025. Italy’s challenge? Containing Bura’s 58% kill rate while maintaining their own offensive rhythm.

De Giorgi’s Game Plan: 3 Key Battles to Watch

De Giorgi’s system revolves around controlled aggression, but Turkey’s fast attack and physicality demand adjustments. Here’s what to expect:

1. Serve Receive: Italy’s Domenico Pace (libero) must limit Turkey’s quick attacks. In their last meeting, Italy lost 18% of their serves to aces—a number De Giorgi called “unacceptable.”
2. Middle Blocking: Sanguinetti and Mosca will target Ahmet Samet Baltacı, Turkey’s primary opposite. Italy’s blocking efficiency (32% in 2025 WC) must improve to 35%+ to neutralize Turkey’s power.
3. Transition Defense: Italy’s Mattia Orioli (outside hitter) will need to sprint back on defense faster. Turkey’s first-tempo attacks (38% of their serves) exploit unhurried Italian reactions.

Coaching insight: “We’re not playing for points here,” De Giorgi said. “We’re playing to learn. If we can hold Turkey to 25 points in the first set, that’s a win for me.”

Italy vs. Turkey: A Rivalry Revisited

This isn’t just any friendly—it’s the second meeting in six months between two teams locked in the Nations League’s top tier. Here’s the breakdown:

Bergamo’s altitude (300m above sea level) could favor Italy’s physicality, but Turkey’s #3-ranked serve (28% ace rate) will test Italy’s defensive walls.

After Bergamo: The Nations League Grind Begins

Italy’s next three matches are make-or-break for their Nations League campaign:

A win against Turkey would boost morale ahead of Canada, a team with Olympic aspirations. A loss? Italy’s pool standing could tighten, forcing them into a grinder’s mentality for the rest of June.

Fan tip: Tickets for the Bergamo match are available via TicketOne. Local fans are encouraged to wear blue and white—Italy’s national colors—to create a home-court advantage.