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Civitanova: Nikolov on Twitch disputes Lube’s version of the Poriya exit
CIVITANOVA – A new chapter has opened in the Poriya case at Cucine Lube Civitanova after Bulgarian outside hitter Aleksandar Nikolov addressed the story live on Twitch, openly criticizing the club’s public account and the press conference held by general manager Beppe Cormio.
In the livestream, Nikolov said: "Lube did him wrong, because they’re lying. He didn’t leave like they said he left… Everybody knew he was leaving, he asked to leave, and everything was done right. But Lube made it seem like a bad thing when it wasn’t." He then added: "I’m not happy with the way Lube handled it."
The remarks, quickly shared on social media, land at a sensitive moment of the season for the club and in a context where Civitanova are also reportedly working on a future move involving Nikolov’s brother, setter Simeon Nikolov.
Casalmaggiore: Rachele Rastelli officially joins E’più
CASALMAGGIORE – E’più Casalmaggiore have confirmed the signing of opposite Rachele Rastelli (1999), who had already started training with the team while completing recovery from an abdominal injury. Rastelli will wear jersey number 22.
In her first words as a Casalmaggiore player, Rastelli said: "I thank Casalmaggiore for the trust shown from the very first days. I’m feeling good and working hard with the help of the staff and the club to come back from the injury… I can’t wait to be back on court with the girls to fight and reach our next goals together."
Women’s market: VakifBank move for Malual; Marignano and Monviso scenarios
ISTANBUL – The women’s market continues to develop along an Italy–Turkey axis. The key development is VakifBank Istanbul, coached by Giovanni Guidetti, stepping into the race for opposite Adhuoljok John Majak Malual—a negotiation that, in the previous days, had been linked to a possible move to Italy after her exit from Monviso.
A subsequent update in the same storyline points to the move being effectively set: Malual is expected to join VakifBank for the second part of the season as a backup option behind Tatiana Boskovic, confirming the Turkish club’s willingness to act mid-season to fine-tune the roster.
The incoming move could also generate an outgoing one: from Istanbul, opposite Loren(ne) Teixeira is being linked to Omag-MT San Giovanni in Marignano, searching for additional attacking options.
Meanwhile, in the relegation battle, Monviso are associated with a possible high-impact return: according to market rumors, Polish attacker Malwina Smarzek could leave Kuzeyboru—where Terry Enweonwu has arrived—and is mentioned as a potential replacement should Malual’s departure be finalized.
Monza: Vero Volley’s message to Galassi
MONZA – The Vero Volley Consortium sent a public message of support to Gianluca Galassi, recently operated on at the IEO in Milan for testicular cancer. Galassi played five seasons in Monza (2019/20 to 2023/24).
Vero Volley wrote: “Forza Gianluca, ti aspettiamo in campo,” and head coach Massimo Eccheli added: "Watching and listening to him, I had confirmation of the great fighter I knew… and of the intelligent and sensitive man he is. I hug him tight.
United States: Jordan Larson announces 2026 will be her final pro season
UNITED STATES – American outside hitter Jordan Larson announced that 2026 with LOVB Nebraska will be her last season as a professional player. A four-time Olympic medalist, Larson explained the decision during a press conference.
Larson said: "After this year I’ll step away from competitive volleyball and, instead of viewing it as an endpoint, I want to spend this season honoring the people, places and moments that shaped all of this." The statement refers to the end of her professional career at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The roundup also recalls her experience in Italy with Vero Volley in 2021/22 and again in 2022/23.
Piacenza: Daniel Iyegbekedo signed to strengthen the middle
PIACENZA – Gas Sales Bluenergy Volley Piacenza have added depth in the middle by signing Daniel Iyegbekedo (born 2007), a 205-cm French middle blocker arriving from the France Avenir program. The club note also recalls that Iyegbekedo was named best middle blocker at the FIVB U19 World Championship 2025 and had already trained with Piacenza during a December stage.
WEVZA U18 Women: Italy beat Belgium 3–1, book European Championship ticket
FOGGIA – Italy’s U18 women completed their WEVZA campaign with a 3–1 win over Belgium (18–25, 25–22, 25–16, 25–21) in the final at Pala Preziuso, securing qualification for the U18 European Championship (Riga and Vilnius, July 1–12). Captain Lisa Monari Gamba led the scoring with 22 points, and Italy closed the event with five wins in five matches.
After the final, head coach Stefano Gregoris said: "We are very happy with this result and with the feelings we experienced here in Foggia… this tournament gives us the ticket for the European Championship and also the chance to have studied other teams… the quality of these girls is their ability to react in an important way."
Serie A1 Tigotà: Macerata win 2–3 at San Giovanni in Marignano, Piomboni MVP
CERVIA – In the Round 6 return-leg anticipo, CBF Balducci HR Macerata won 2–3 away to Omag-MT San Giovanni in Marignano (22–25, 25–22, 25–18, 23–25, 17–19). The match was decided by small margins, including a long tie-break where Macerata closed it out 17–19 after trailing at the change of sides.
Nicole Piomboni scored 22 and was named MVP; Decortes added 19 for Macerata. For San Giovanni, Kochurina and Nardo scored 19 each, with Zhuang at 16.
Superlega Credem Banca: Cuneo sweep Grottazzolina, key points in the survival race
CUNEO – MA Acqua S.Bernardo Cuneo defeated Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina 3–0 (25–23, 25–23, 25–18), collecting a full three points in a direct battle near the bottom of the table. Ivan Zaytsev scored 14 (Sedlacek 13) and the roundup notes his milestone in the all-time Superlega scoring list. For Grottazzolina, Golzadeh scored 16.
Coppa Italia Serie A3: Sabaudia and Reggio Calabria advance to the semifinals
MODENA – The first two A3 Coppa Italia quarterfinals are complete. Viridex Sabaudia won 0–3 away at BCC Tecbus Castellana Grotte, with Onwuelo scoring 17. Domotek Reggio Calabria beat EnergyTime Campobasso 3–1, led by Lazzaretto with 18.
The remaining quarterfinal schedule:
- Jan 14, 2026 – ErmGroup Altotevere San Giustino vs Belluno Volley
- Jan 15, 2026 – Conad Reggio Emilia vs Gabbiano FarmaMed Mantova
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