Volleyball.it daily roundup – January 20, 2026

Day summary

A busy day across Italian volleyball: the Lega Pallavolo Serie A confirmed dates, tip-off times and TV coverage for the Del Monte Coppa Italia SuperLega (Final Four in Bologna, February 7–8) and the Del Monte Supercoppa SuperLega (Final Four in Trieste, February 28–March 1). In Serie A1 Tigotà, the top five all won, keeping the title race unchanged at the summit, while the bottom half saw key points collected by San Giovanni in Marignano and Monviso.

In Europe, Allianz Milano took a clean 3-0 road win in Belgrade in the first leg of the Challenge Cup Round of 16, leaning on Ferrer Reggers (20 points) and a strong blocking phase. Off the court, the market conversation remained lively: agent Luca Novi discussed Modena’s “new course”, the outlook for key players, and the increasingly early timing of negotiations. The SuperLega’s lower-table picture, with the 8th place and survival fight intertwined, was framed by a dense set of upcoming head-to-head clashes, while the opposite-hitter market was spotlighted by the scoring seasons of Kamil Rychlicki (PlusLiga) and Yuri Romanò (Russia).

In women’s volleyball, the Coppa Italia Final Four in Turin is tracking toward a sell-out, with strong ticket sales and an event schedule designed around arena entertainment. Finally, concern in the refereeing community: third referee and mayor Maurina Sessolo was hospitalized after a serious road accident following Trento–Milano.

NEWS

Del Monte Coppa Italia SuperLega & Del Monte Supercoppa SuperLega: dates, times and TV coverage confirmed

BOLOGNA — The schedule for the Del Monte Coppa Italia SuperLega and the Del Monte Supercoppa SuperLega has been set: Lega Pallavolo Serie A confirmed match times and broadcast coverage for the two events that will shape the season’s closing stretch.

Del Monte Coppa Italia SuperLega – Final Four
Unipol Arena (Bologna), February 7–8, 2026

The event opens on Saturday, February 7 with two semifinals. First up: Itas Trentino vs Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza at 15:30, live on Rai Play. The evening semifinal follows at 18:00: Rana Verona vs Sir Susa Scai Perugia, live on Rai Sport.

The final is scheduled for Sunday, February 8 at 18:00, live on Rai Sport.

Semifinals – Saturday, February 7
Itas Trentino – Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza (15:30, Rai Play)
Rana Verona – Sir Susa Scai Perugia (18:00, Rai Sport)

Final – Sunday, February 8
Final (18:00, Rai Sport)

Del Monte Supercoppa SuperLega
PalaTrieste (Trieste), February 28 – March 1, 2026

The weekend before the Playoffs begin, the Supercoppa Final Four takes place. On Saturday, February 28 at 15:30, Itas Trentino vs Sir Susa Scai Perugia (Rai Play). At 18:00, Cucine Lube Civitanova vs Rana Verona (Rai Sport).

The final will be played on Sunday, March 1 at 15:00, live on Rai 2.

Semifinals – Saturday, February 28
Itas Trentino – Sir Susa Scai Perugia (15:30, Rai Play)
Cucine Lube Civitanova – Rana Verona (18:00, Rai Sport)

Final – Sunday, March 1
Final (15:00, Rai 2)

Serie A1 Tigotà: San Giovanni keep climbing, Monviso win a tie-break in Busto — top five unchanged

MODENA — The standings at the top remain unchanged after the 8th return round in Serie A1 Tigotà: the top five teams all won, while crucial points in the lower half went to Omag-Mt San Giovanni in Marignano and Wash4green Monviso Volley.

Leaders Prosecco Doc A. Carraro Imoco Conegliano won 3–0 in Pesaro against Megabox Vallefoglia. The first set was the tightest, then Conegliano raised their level with block and game management. Isabelle Haak led scoring with 18 points, Zhu added 15, and the block contributed heavily (four points each for Chirichella and Fahr). Asia Wolosz was named MVP. For Vallefoglia, Bici scored 18 and Loveth Omoruyi 11. Loveth Omoruyi said "It hurts to finish 3–0, we could have defended better, but we played against a team of great value", while Sarah Fahr added "We needed a good 3–0 to arrive in the right mood for the Coppa Italia. We knew it would be difficult, but we stayed organised."

Second place remains with Savino Del Bene Scandicci, who won 3–0 in Treviglio against Bergamo. Scandicci held a high level in reception and transition, with Maja Ognjenovic MVP and Antropova closing on 14 points. Bergamo stayed close, especially in the second set (23–25), pushed by Manfredini, but Scandicci gained control early in the third. Denise Meli noted "In the second set we had the chance to level it, but we let it go. Now we have to recharge and sprint to the finish", while coach Marco Gaspari underlined "We produced an incredible reception performance and the counterattack we wanted. It wasn’t a given to take three points here."

Numia Vero Volley Milano also kept their run going: 3–0 at the Allianz Cloud against Honda Cuneo Granda Volley, their fifth straight win. After two controlled sets, Cuneo forced a long third set, but Milano closed 29–27 with a decisive block by Kurtagic and a final swing by Paola Egonu, top scorer with 16. Rebecca Piva was MVP (13). For Cuneo, Diop scored 15, the only player in double figures. Setter Francesca Bosio said "In the third set we dropped a bit in block-defense, then we reacted and finished in three. Our level is rising and we have to keep going", while Linda Magnani added "We started tight, then we enjoyed it and gave our maximum. The next matches will be crucial — we’ll fight until the end."

Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri ’76 won 3–1 away at Cbf Balducci Hr Macerata. Macerata took the first set (26–24), then Chieri controlled the next three, with tight endings. Alice Degradi was MVP with 23 points (63% in attack); Nemeth also scored 23. Macerata had 21 from Decortes and a 6–3 edge in blocks, not enough to take points. Giorgia Caforio said "Today we probably deserved at least one point. There’s regret for some situations, but in a short time we found ourselves again and that’s a very positive sign", while Alice Degradi added "Macerata played an incredible match in attack. We struggled at the net and in defense, but we were good at staying focused despite the packed schedule."

Igor Gorgonzola Novara won 3–0 over Bartoccini-Mc Restauri Perugia. Carlotta Cambi was MVP, Ishikawa led scoring with 14, and Novara’s steady distribution closed the sets 25–17, 25–13, 25–20. Giulia Leonardi said "We started the match the right way and kept control without dips. We take away a lot of positives ahead of the Coppa Italia", while Perugia libero Imma Sirressi admitted "It’s not easy because right now we’re discouraged. I saw some good things in patches, but we have to give much more."

At the bottom, two key swings: San Giovanni in Marignano kept rising with another full win, and Monviso collected the day’s only tie-break, beating Eurotek Laica Uyba after a long match. Davyskiba was MVP with 25 points, with a major contribution at the net and balanced offense (Dodson 16, Sylves 13; Sylves also with 6 blocks). For UYBA, Parra scored 25, Obossa 18, Battista 16. Valeria Battista said "We played good volleyball, but there’s regret over the details. Starting behind in every set with total blackouts didn’t help: we were good at coming back, but we can’t start like that."

After the midweek round, Serie A1 pauses for the Coppa Italia Final Four in Turin: on Saturday, January 24, Conegliano–Novara (15:30) and Scandicci–Chieri (18:00) at the Inalpi Arena.

Serie A1 Tigotà: San Giovanni in Marignano stop Firenze 3–0 — second straight win for Omag-Mt

CERVIA — Omag-Mt San Giovanni in Marignano extended their positive moment in the 21st round of Serie A1 Tigotà, beating Il Bisonte Firenze 3–0 (25–21, 25–19, 25–18). The home side delivered consistent fundamentals, with answers off the bench, and closed in straight sets. For Firenze, it ended a three-match winning streak and marked their first loss of 2026.

San Giovanni set the tone early in the opening set with aggressive starts and separation built mainly through block-defense, absorbing Firenze’s attempts to return and closing 25–21. The second set saw Firenze repeatedly try to re-enter and even level, but the home team regained margins at key moments and finished 25–19. In the third, a fast start (4–0, then 6–0) shaped the set, and despite a late Firenze push, San Giovanni closed 25–18.

Alice Nardo was named MVP. Firenze’s night was defined by inaccuracy (24 unforced errors, 11 service errors), plus pressure at the net: 10 blocks and 7 aces conceded.

Assistant coach Alessandro Zanchi emphasized the team’s approach: "We’re happy above all with the attitude. After coming back from Cuneo we had little time to recover and train, but the girls stayed clear-headed and made the right choices." He added: "Even at the net we worked well, touching many balls and reading situations correctly. Alice played a very solid match, present in all fundamentals. The double substitution with Nicolini and Ortolani also worked well: having solutions and players ready to contribute is fundamental."

For Firenze, Rachele Morello pointed mainly to the opponent’s quality and the struggle to react: "They played very well in every fundamental, starting with the serve, while we weren’t good at reacting, which is something we usually do better. I’m sorry because we could have done more, but it’s a bad match. Now there’s a break and we’ll have time to train and restart the right way."

Challenge Cup: Milano show no mercy in Belgrade — 3–0 vs Red Star despite absences and “tape”

BELGRADE — At the Ustanova Sportski Centar “Vozdovac”, Allianz Milano won 3–0 in the first leg of the Challenge Cup Round of 16 against Red Star Belgrade (25–16, 25–23, 25–18), closing the match in 66 minutes. Opposite Ferrer Reggers led scoring with 20 points, followed by Ichino (11) and Recine (11). For the hosts, Omar scored 8 and no player reached double figures.

The match was largely one-way, with the only sustained balance in the second set before Milano pulled away from mid-set. Reggers also led the attack with 16 kills, while Tommaso Ichino stood out at the net with 4 blocks. Francesco Recine returned strongly in reception: 76% positive, 53% perfect.

The numbers underline Milano’s control: 63% in attack, 9 blocks and 2 aces from Reggers; Belgrade finished at 45% attack, 56% positive reception, 5 blocks and 11 total errors. The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 at the Allianz Cloud in Milan.

A note from the day: Nemanja Masulovic became a father for the second time — congratulations to Masulovic, partner Natasa and big brother Bogdan, and welcome to Danilo.

Volley mercato: agent Luca Novi — “An early market. Porro is the symbol of Modena’s new direction”

MODENA — Modena’s win over Trento had revived energy at the PalaPanini and lifted Valsa Group back into fourth place — before the subsequent heavy loss in Monza. In a TRC episode of “Barba e Capelli” hosted by Paolo Reggianini, with journalist and former player Lara Lugli and agent Luca Novi as guests, the discussion moved from the court to the market, touching on the club’s recent moves and future scenarios.

Novi described a reset project with a forward-looking base: "It’s a renewed project, with fairly solid foundations for the future. Some players are performing beyond expectations. A team is being built that can even beat the big ones." On Arthur Bento, Novi noted the growth path after a difficult season: "He got back to work, he answered the call in a key moment. He’s a 2004, improving, and he made an impact when needed. I think he’ll stay in Modena next year." He also praised setter Amir Tizi-Oualou: "Against Trento he played one of his best matches, distributing well and using the pipe with courage."

On the club’s strategy, Novi framed the “main move” as philosophical: "Modena’s biggest signing wasn’t a player — it was a change of mindset. Accepting more mistakes from young players and choosing to plan." In that view, Luca Porro becomes emblematic: "Porro is the symbol of this path."

Novi also spoke on Vlad Davyskiba, saying the Russia option is concrete and that the player has already taken a direction, mentioning Kazan as the destination. He then highlighted how early the market has become: "Players move very early, sometimes when the season has just started. There are no rigid rules on timing."

A broader segment focused on roster decisions and the case of Simone Anzani: "He still has a year on his contract, but he’s not happy. He could ask to leave." Novi’s argument was that players shouldn’t be “forced” to stay; they need to be convinced and believe in the project. The discussion also touched on Civitanova’s strategy and the arrival of Simeon Nikolov, with Novi stressing: "I don’t think it was giving up on Boninfante or a lack of trust. Sometimes market choices respond to different logics than purely technical ones."

SuperLega Credem Banca: 8th place and survival fight overlap — direct clashes ahead, Zaytsev clause at Cuneo

MODENA — With five rounds left in the SuperLega regular season, the race for the playoffs and the survival fight increasingly overlap in the lower half of the table. The gap between 7th and 8th remains large: Allianz Milano sit 7th on 26 points, while Vero Volley Monza are 8th on 15 — an 11-point difference with 15 points still available.

That turns 8th place into the key target — both as the final playoff slot and as a pivot for relegation dynamics. The “cluster” runs from 8th to 12th: Monza, Padova, Cuneo, Cisterna and Grottazzolina. Among them, the final five rounds include six head-to-head matches, likely decisive for both 8th place and staying up.

The first key date is Sunday, January 25: Cuneo–Monza, a direct showdown in Piemonte, with just three points separating the sides and an extra two wins currently held by Monza. The same weekend features Grottazzolina–Padova, vital for the league’s bottom side as they chase points and try to pressure Cisterna. A market note tied into the sporting picture: radio-market talk suggests that if Cuneo reach the playoffs, an automatic renewal clause could be triggered for Ivan Zaytsev.

SuperLega mercato: the “opposite carousel” heats up — Rychlicki and Romanò scoring abroad

MODENA — Among the roles most likely to move ahead of 2026/27, the opposite-hitter position is already one of the hottest topics. Italian clubs are also watching what happens abroad, where two “Azzurri” are producing top-level scoring seasons.

Kamil Rychlicki, now at ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle coached by Andrea Giani, is leading the PlusLiga scoring charts with 324 points, plus 13 aces and 24 blocks in 16 matches. Naturalized as an Italian a year ago, he is again central in market conversations, including a possible return to SuperLega.

Yuri Romanò is also posting standout numbers in his first season in Russia: 389 points in 19 matches, with 27 blocks, and has already signed for Warsaw in Poland for next season.

In Italy, some lines are clearer: Trento continue with Theo Faure; Perugia reshaped the opposite department with Ferre Reggers arriving from Milano and Czech opposite David Kollátor signed as his backup. Ben Tara is expected to move to Japan’s SV.League. Milano, to replace Reggers, are linked with Belgian Basil Dermaux. Piacenza continue with Alessandro Bovolenta, with Léon in the roster through 2027; Verona have options with Darlan and, if needed, Keita. Modena’s opposite situation is also part of the conversation, with Buchegger’s position discussed alongside the reported plan to bring in Mujanovic.

Coppa Italia Frecciarossa: Turin heading toward a sell-out — Inalpi Arena ready for the Final Four

TORINO — The women’s Coppa Italia Final Four at the Inalpi Arena is tracking toward a sell-out. Conegliano, Novara, Scandicci and Chieri will be on court, bringing the top end of Serie A1 to Turin. Ticket sales are strong: about 9,500 seats have already been sold for Saturday’s semifinal day, with the stated goal of a full house on Sunday.

The Lega Volley Femminile has built an event-style schedule with fan-zone activities from the morning and arena entertainment elements designed to broaden the weekend’s appeal. A musical moment is also planned between the two Saturday semifinals, with Rose Villain scheduled to appear on stage.

Volleyball: accident after Trento–Milano — mayor and referee Maurina Sessolo hospitalized

TRENTO — Referee Maurina Sessolo, 52, a member of Italy’s top officiating group since 2009 and third referee on Sunday night for Trentino Volley–Allianz Milano, was involved in a serious road accident on the SS47 Valsugana near San Cristoforo al Lago on her way home.

According to the reconstruction so far, her car collided head-on with a vehicle driven by a 21-year-old. Firefighters were needed to extract the drivers. Sessolo and the young man were taken in red-code to Trento’s Santa Chiara Hospital. Despite trauma, Sessolo remained conscious; medical checks are ongoing and her family reached Trento on Sunday evening.

A possible transfer to Treviso will be evaluated in the coming hours depending on clinical assessments. Alongside her refereeing career, Sessolo has served as mayor of Fontanelle since spring 2022 and was recognized as “Best Serie A2 Women’s Referee” for the 2022–23 season, an award voted by the clubs.