Volleyball.it daily roundup – January 9, 2026

SuperLega market: the “opposite shuffle” and Milano’s 2026/27 blueprint

MODENA – The early moves for SuperLega 2026/27 are already taking shape, starting from the most sensitive role on the board: the opposite. Allianz Milano are looking beyond Ferre Reggers and, in that scenario, the name gaining traction is Belgian prospect Basil Dermaux (currently at Roeselare). His latest European night was a loud one: 31 points vs Lublin, with 62% in attack (28/45), 2 aces and 1 block.

On the wings, Milano are said to be pushing for a high-profile return: Yuki Ishikawa, after two seasons in Perugia. In the middle, the club is reportedly testing the waters for Russo (with Modena believed to be ahead) and—at the most ambitious level—Robertlandy Simon, currently at Piacenza but sidelined by a right-leg injury, a profile to be evaluated for fitness and age.

Milano also explored a path back to Italy for Yuri Romanò, but the opposite—now at Fakel Novy Urengoy—would be leaning toward staying abroad, with Warsaw indicated as a convincing destination after an initial approach.

On the women’s side, the market remains active across multiple tables, with Italy and Turkey intertwined. The main twist is VakifBank Istanbul entering the race for Adhuoljok John Majak Malual, who only days ago seemed headed to Italy. Talks between the Piedmont club and Perugia were underway when VakifBank—coached by Giovanni Guidetti—stepped in, attempting to redirect Malual to Istanbul. If confirmed, the move would take the opposite away from the Italian league and force the clubs involved to revisit their plans.

Also linked to VakifBank, there is talk of a potential exit for Lorenne Texeira, with her name repeatedly associated with Omag-MT San Giovanni in Marignano, looking for extra offensive solutions for the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, at Monviso, a significant return is being floated to avoid slipping deeper into the relegation fight: according to market rumors, Malwina Smarzek could be ready to leave Kuzeyboru—where the arrival of Terry Enweonwu has reportedly changed the hierarchy—and is being mentioned as a possible replacement for Malual in the Piedmont roster should the opposite depart.

Piacenza: surgery for Gianluca Galassi after testicular cancer diagnosis

PIACENZA – Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza announced that Gianluca Galassi underwent surgery to remove a testicular tumor. The procedure was successful and was performed at the IEO in Milan by Dr. Gennaro Musi. The club’s medical staff will follow the post-operative path and evaluate recovery timing through ongoing checks.

In a message, Galassi said: "I was diagnosed with testicular cancer and I underwent surgery. Now I’ll face tests and checks to understand the recovery timeline. I hope it will be as short as possible so I can get back to doing what I love: playing volleyball." He also underlined prevention: "Thankfully everything was caught early thanks to prevention and check-ups… prevention is fundamental."

Civitanova: Poriya leaves unilaterally, Lube announce legal protection

CIVITANOVA MARCHE – Cucine Lube Civitanova confirmed the departure of Iranian hitter Poriya Hossein Khanzadeh, calling it an “unmotivated and unilateral” decision and stating the club will protect itself “in all appropriate venues.” The move arrives amid market chatter linking the player to a possible move abroad, but Lube’s official position frames the case as a contractual breach with potential legal and economic consequences—and with an obvious technical impact in the middle of the season.

Cormio on the Poriya case: “A problem of ethics”

CIVITANOVA – In a press conference, Lube’s general manager Beppe Cormio described the episode as a serious issue for the league, pointing to alleged external influence: "The player says he spoke to the head coach of his national team, who told him that here he was wasting his time." Cormio then raised an ethical concern about dual roles, arguing that national-team and club posts should not overlap, and urged the league to enforce the rules and any related fee.

Cormio also reconstructed the timeline, insisting there was no mutual termination: "The contract is valid and was not terminated. To terminate it you need an economic agreement, which doesn’t exist." He stressed the sporting impact as well, noting that replacing a player mid-season carries restrictions and risks.

Serie A2: Porto Viro close to signing Jan Klobučar for the survival race

PORTO VIRO – With the relegation battle tightening in Serie A2, Alva Inox 2 Emme Service Porto Viro are moving to boost their attacking options and are close to signing Slovenian outside hitter Jan Klobučar (born 1992, 196 cm), currently at ACH Volley Ljubljana. It would be his return to Italy after last season’s experience at Fano, with a career that also includes spells in Slovenia and France, plus a previous SuperLega stop at Piacenza.

Serie A3: Terni’s Martino deal blocked, Lucas Ciupa evaluated

TERNI – Terni Volley Academy will not land Matteo Martino due to registration issues. Sitting second from bottom after ten rounds, the club is now looking at alternative solutions, including Polish outside hitter Lucas Ciupa (born 1990), whose recent path included a stint in Mongolia and prior experiences in Italy.

Champions League Women: Italy vs Turkey, 1–3 in early head-to-heads—signal or just a snapshot?

MODENA – The first direct clashes between Italian and Turkish clubs in the women’s Champions League produced a 1–3 record in Turkey’s favor, which some are reading as a depth-and-roster statement. In “cup points,” the tally is described as 9–3 (and 11 sets to 6)—but the margins suggest caution: two of the four matches went to five sets.

The bigger picture of the pools adds nuance. VakifBank lead Pool A ahead of Scandicci, and Fenerbahçe top Pool B with Novara close behind; however, Milano lead Pool C ahead of Eczacıbaşı, and Conegliano sit first in Pool D with Zeren right behind. The takeaway: Turkey have struck in the direct duels, but Italy remain very much in the race—and in two pools they’re currently on top.

Weekend schedule: cups and leagues back in full flow

Across the weekend, the calendar accelerates: A3 Coppa Italia moves into single-match quarterfinals (Blu group first), A3 Girone Bianco continues with a headline clash (Mantova–Belluno), A2 opens the return round with a full Sunday slate, and SuperLega returns for Round 15 with key matchups across the table—while the women’s Serie A1 Tigotà enters another crucial stretch with tight gaps from the top spots to the survival line.