Italy failed in their bid to be crowned European volleyball champions for the second consecutive time on Saturday, losing 3-0 (25-20; 25-21; 25-23) to Poland in the final Rome.
It was a sweet victory for the Poles, who avenged their defeat to the Azzurri in the final of the world championships last year.
"We're sorry. We wanted to put up more of a fight," said coach Fefé De Giorgi.
"But our path (to the final) was a good one.
"As always, we have to look at the road we are on.
"These lads still have room for improvement".
Source: Ansa News Agency (ANA)