European Universities Games
Salerno 2026
July 18 - August 1

Volleyball: Gold for Italy (University of Bologna) and France (University of Montpellier)

In a packed Pala Unisa, the four finalists delivered thrilling matches filled with intensity and high technical quality. In the men’s competition, the gold medal went to the University of Montpellier (France), while the women’s tournament was dominated by Italy as the University of Bologna claimed the title, confirming the outstanding level of Italian volleyball at every level and securing Italy’s first gold medal of EUG Salerno 2026.

Women’s Final

With a commanding performance, the University of Bologna defeated Vytautas Magnus University 3–1 to climb to the top of thepodium and earn Italy its first gold medal of the Games.

Bologna dominated the opening two sets before an unexpected dip in form. After a slow start, the Lithuanian side responded with great determination, edging a hard-fought third set after a point-for-point battle. The fourth set was equally balanced, but despite the continuous back-and-forth, Bologna found the decisive breakthrough in the closing stages, sealing the victory and a well-deserved gold medal.

Men’s Final

The University of Montpellier claimed the gold medal by defeating the University of Rostock 3–1 in the men’s final.

The French side got off to a flying start, taking complete control of the match by winning the opening two sets. Rostock’s response came with victory in the third set, briefly reviving their hopes, but the German team was unable to complete the comeback. Montpellier regained control in the fourth and decisive set, closing out the match to secure a thoroughly deserved gold medal.