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EUROPEAN CUPS
Champions League (Women): Does Zeren have a three-year wild card?
ISTANBUL (Turkey) – On the Turkish show Voleybol Nesli, hosted by Emre Yazıcıo with former national team star Neslihan Demir, the “wild card” topic returned to the center of the debate—sparked by the Zeren Spor case.
During the episode, Demir focused on a rumor circulating in Turkey: "Zeren would already have a three-year wild card, valid for the entire duration of the sponsorship." From there, she raised a direct question: if the Ankara club were to qualify on the court (for example by finishing third), would the wild card still be “activated” to guarantee an extra Turkish team in the competition?
"If Zeren finish third, does that wild card count or do they go to Champions anyway as third? Does the wild card activate or not? If Zeren qualify on the court, does the wild card become an extra spot for Turkey—maybe for the fourth-place team?" Demir asked, underlining how unclear the mechanism can look from the outside. In the studio, a working hypothesis emerged: if Zeren reach the Champions League through league placement, the “bonus” might slide to the fourth-placed club—but not beyond: "Fourth yes, fifth no."
(Photo note: Mustafa Yiğit Zeren, Zeren’s president.)
This isn’t just a Turkish issue. Wild cards affect access to Europe’s top club competition, and that makes the topic sensitive for all federations and clubs—including Italian ones, who have seen the impact of CEV decisions first-hand this season (in Italy, for instance, Novara entered the Champions League via invitation).
The central issue is the perception of a system that remains hard to read: if a wild card can turn into an “extra place” for a federation when the invited club also qualifies via sporting merit, then the matter becomes not only sporting but also regulatory and political. That’s exactly where many clubs around Europe—beyond Turkey—express doubts: in their view, the wild card concept risks altering the balance of merit-based qualification and creating uncertainty over who actually qualifies, and under what criteria.
Demir’s discussion inevitably touched on the European ambitions of clubs like Eczacıbaşı and Galatasaray as well. "It’s chaos, really strange chaos," she summarized, stressing how the overlap between sporting qualification and invitations (or wild cards) can make the race for available places even more complicated.
ITALIAN LEAGUES
SuperLega: Perugia win the regular season and secure a Champions League 2026/27 spot
VERONA – Sir Susa Scai Perugia won 0–3 (15–25, 21–25, 23–24) in Verona in the early match of Round 10 of the second leg (penultimate round of the regular season) and, with those three points, clinched mathematical certainty of first place in the regular season.
That position not only provides home-court advantage throughout the playoff series (including any decisive matches), but also guarantees the Umbrian club a place in the Champions League 2026/27.
A1 Tigotà: Final relegation verdict—Monviso go down
MODENA – The last regular-season round in A1 Tigotà delivered the final verdict at the bottom: the second relegated team (after Perugia) is Monviso, who lost 3–1 in Conegliano.
Macerata earned points in Bergamo, Cuneo did so against Vallefoglia, and San Giovanni also took points against Busto Arsizio.
A1 Tigotà: Playoff bracket set—results of the final round and standings
MODENA – With the final regular-season results, the key outcomes of A1 Tigotà are set.
Busto Arsizio won 3–2 in Cervia and grabbed the 8th playoff spot at the expense of Firenze. Perugia and Monviso are relegated. Conegliano confirmed first place in the regular season. Novara won in Firenze and overtook Chieri, who unexpectedly lost 3–2 away at already-relegated Perugia.
Playoff Quarterfinal matchups
Conegliano – Busto Arsizio
Novara – Chieri
Milano – Vallefoglia
Bergamo – Scandicci
Standings
Prosecco Doc A.Carraro Imoco Conegliano 72 (26)
Savino Del Bene Scandicci 62 (26)
Numia Vero Volley Milano 62 (26)
Igor Gorgonzola Novara 55 (26)
Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri ’76 55 (26)
Megabox Ond. Savio Vallefoglia 40 (26)
Bergamo 34 (26)
Eurotek Laica UYBA 29 (26)
Il Bisonte Firenze 28 (26)
Honda Cuneo Granda Volley 24 (26)
Omag-Mt San Giovanni in M.No 24 (26)
Cbf Balducci Hr Macerata 23 (26)
Wash4green Monviso Volley 21 (26) – relegated to A2
Bartoccini-Mc Restauri Perugia 17 (26) – relegated to A2
A1 Tigotà: Regular-season top scorers—Egonu leads with 564 points
MODENA – The A1 Tigotà individual stats: Paola Egonu finishes the regular season as top scorer with 564 points across 95 sets, with 20 aces, 48 blocks, and 47.8% in attack. It’s her fifth time among the last ten seasons (including one abroad) across stints with Club Italia Crai, Igor Novara, Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano, and twice with Numia Vero Volley Milano.
Top 5 scorers (regular season)
Egonu Paola (Numia Vero Volley Milano) 564
Antropova Ekaterina (Savino Del Bene Scandicci) 484
Németh Anett (Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri) 465
Obossa Josephine (Eurotek Laica UYBA) 464
Bici Erblira (Megabox Ond. Savio Vallefoglia) 451
Del Monte Coppa Italia A2: Abba Pineto win the first trophy in club history—Di Silvestre MVP
Final – Del Monte Coppa Italia A2
Tinet Prata di Pordenone – Abba Pineto 1–3 (25–22, 19–25, 21–25, 23–25)
PRATA DI PORDENONE – At PalaPrata, the celebration belongs to Abba Pineto: the Abruzzo side won 1–3 and lifted the first Del Monte Coppa Italia A2 trophy in club history. After dropping the opening set, Simone Di Tommaso’s team changed pace and flipped the match, sealing a tense fourth set in the closing stages.
Del Monte MVP went to captain Paolo Luigi Di Silvestre, who scored 19 points. Pineto also hit a notable milestone: they are the first Serie A Credem Banca club to win both the A3 Coppa Italia (2022/23) and the A2 Coppa Italia. PalaPrata was sold out with 1,000 spectators and revenue of €11,350.
For Prata, Kristian Gamba (23) and Jernej Terpin (16) led the scoring, with Gamba also reaching 2,500 career A2 winning spikes. For Pineto, alongside Di Silvestre’s 19, Matheus Krauchuk (20) and Karli Allik (14) were decisive, with Allik reaching 2,000 total A2 points.
Scandicci
A thank-you to residents around Pala Wanny: a free playoff ticket
FLORENCE – Savino Del Bene Scandicci chose an unusual—and rare—route in sports: thanking local residents living around Pala BigMat for the inconveniences linked to matchdays (traffic, crowds, tougher parking). The club will turn that neighborhood patience into a concrete gesture: a free ticket for the first home match of the Scudetto playoff quarterfinals.
Notably, this is not for a random regular-season game, but for a high-profile, do-or-die playoff match expected to draw an even larger crowd: Sunday, March 1, 4:00 pm, vs Volley Bergamo 1991.
TRANSFER MARKET
Klimeš and Hilir Henno headed to SuperLega (2026/27)
MODENA – Two future-oriented moves on the 2026/27 SuperLega radar involve young international profiles.
First: Antonín Klimeš, Czech middle blocker, 20, a starter who played a key role with the senior national team that finished 4th at the recent Worlds. Born October 1, 2005, developed at VK ČEZ Karlovarsko, he is being tracked for a possible move to Cucine Lube Civitanova starting in 2026/27.
Second: Hilir Henno, French outside hitter (born September 12, 2003), coming off a stint in Poland with Bogdanka LUK Lublin. He is expected to join Sonepar Padova from 2026/27—an addition aligned with Padova’s long-standing approach to developing and showcasing young international talent.
Turkey: Official separation between Barbolini and Galatasaray
ISTANBUL – The split between Galatasaray and Italian coach Massimo Barbolini is official. The club relieved him of his duties and handed the team to assistant coach Bigarelli (also from Modena). Barbolini confirmed the end of his stint via a social media post, saying he respected the decision and—given internal dynamics—had expected it.
He highlighted two regrets: not being able (for now) to continue working with the players who had chosen to share the journey with him, and not being able to try to reach the goal of winning the CEV Cup. He added he does not consider the decision a personal failure, stressing the importance of following one’s ideas and principles.
Fano: Coaching change—Moretti dismissed, Marco Bonitta appointed
FANO – Virtus Fano changed head coach: the club dismissed Daniele Moretti and appointed Marco Bonitta, a highly experienced coach with an international profile.
Bonitta (born in Ravenna, 1963) already led his first practice at Pala Allende. His résumé includes being head coach of Italy’s women’s national team that won the 2002 World Championship, plus two Scudetti and two Champions Cups. His most recent Italian role was with Ravenna in A2 (playoff semifinal loss), while last summer he coached Egypt’s men’s national team at the World Championships.
Transfer market: Verona–Perugia derby extends to the libero position—Loreti targeted, Balaso track
MODENA – The rivalry between Rana Verona and Sir Susa Scai Perugia could expand from the court to the 2026/27 market, with a duel centered on the libero role. As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, both clubs are looking at Luca Loreti, 21, in his second season at Piacenza and already in the youth national team pathway. Verona had seemingly moved closer first, before Perugia’s recent entry.
The key issue is not only the player’s preference, but also negotiations with Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza, who hold his rights. In these hours, Perugia’s offer is said to have risen above Verona’s, shifting the balance and turning the situation into a head-to-head.
Verona—fresh Coppa Italia winners—would therefore be evaluating an alternative: Fabio Balaso, Italy’s national-team libero at Civitanova, under contract through 2027. Balaso had also been linked to Perugia in previous weeks, another sign of a market that is intertwining strategies among SuperLega’s top clubs at the same position.
ESTERO
Turkey: Alessia Orro on Fenerbahçe — “This team can win every cup”
ISTANBUL (Turkey) – Five months into Turkey, after a long national-team summer and with new responsibilities at one of Europe’s most ambitious clubs, Alessia Orro spoke to Fenerbahçe Medicana’s official TV about her adaptation, shared leadership, and season goals.
"Everything is going very well," she said about her first assessment. "From day one I’ve been going through the adaptation process with the team and the city. I’m getting used to a new culture. But everything is going very well."
It’s her first experience outside Italy: "I felt it was the right time to take this step. Fenerbahçe is one of the best teams in the world and one of the best in Turkey. I did it for my career. Playing for Fenerbahçe is an honor."
She also described the guidance she sought before moving: "I spoke with many national team players and with athletes who have played or play in Turkey. I’m curious, I asked a lot of questions. They told me that with my character I could adapt to Turkish culture and that it could be the right choice."
On the fans: "I received so many messages, even before it was official. Seeing the fans’ colors and feeling their desire for me was something very big."
On the group: "We’re all positive, we support each other. In many teams that chemistry doesn’t exist. I didn’t know anyone here, but when I arrived I saw that harmony was there and that we’ve built on it. I feel very lucky."
A special mention for captain Eda Erdem: "A great captain. Not only for Turkish volleyball, but worldwide. She keeps the team together. She’s a natural leader."
On coach Marcello Abbondanza: "From day one he helped me a lot, with the language and the country. I like training a lot. I’ve seen that with him our game has become faster and our attack level has risen."
And on objectives: "We have a positive idea of volleyball. We’ve had three losses this season and in January we had a difficult period, but it was better like that. We learned to overcome difficulties together and it helped us grow. This team can win every cup. We can reach every final."
Conegliano: Zé Roberto at Palaverde — “I came for Gabi. She keeps growing”
TREVISO – Brazil head coach Zé Roberto returned to Palaverde for a visit linked to Gabi: a personal meeting marked by affection and saudade, and also a chance to be back in an arena with special meaning for him, tied to the long tradition of Brazilian players who passed through Treviso. Welcomed by Daniele Santarelli as well, Zé Roberto spoke about Gabi’s growth, noting how her European pathway has added responsibility and maturity without changing her identity.
The interview was presented in Q&A form, including quotes such as: "I came for Gabi, to talk a bit and see how she’s doing," and "Gabi doesn’t change. I think she has grown a lot, not only as a volleyball player, but as a person."
South American Club Championship 2026: SESI Bauru win — 3–0 vs Osasco, Dani Lins MVP; both to the Club World Championship
LIMA (Peru) – SESI Bauru won the 2026 Women’s South American Club Championship, defeating Osasco São Cristóvão Saúde 3–0 in the final: 25–23, 25–20, 25–20. With the result, SESI and Osasco also qualified for the December Club World Championship.
SESI imposed rhythm and clarity, performing well on serve and in transition, while Osasco paid for 24 error points and struggled to find steady sideout and rally control. Offensively, two foreign attackers led the way: Venezuela’s Acosta (17) and Argentina’s Bianca Cugno for Osasco (15).
Individual awards
MVP: Dani Lins (SESI Bauru)
Setter: Dani Lins (SESI Bauru)
Opposite: Bianca Cugno (Osasco)
Outside hitters: Caitie Baird (Osasco), Aixa Vigil (Universidad San Martín)
Middle blockers: Diana (SESI Bauru), Larissa (Osasco)
Libero: Esmeraldo Sanchez (Alianza)
Third-place match: Alianza Lima beat Universidad San Martín 3–1.
FIPAV
“Hands on the World”: Men’s back-to-back World Championship docufilm premieres on YouTube Feb 26
ROME – After Born to Win – Azzurre to conquer the world premiered on February 12 on FIPAV’s YouTube channel and approached 50,000 views, the federation announced a new appointment focused on the men’s national team.
On Thursday, February 26 at 19:00, Hands on the World – The historic back2back world title will premiere on YouTube FIPAV: a 37-minute docufilm about the World Championship won in Manila by Ferdinando De Giorgi’s team—Italy’s fifth men’s world title and the second consecutive after 2022.
FIPAV notes that in 2025 Italy also took their first-ever VNL men’s medal (silver in Ningbo), and the docufilm includes the tournament arc—from the group-stage loss to Belgium to the unbeaten run that ended with a 3–1 final win over Bulgaria.
FIPAV LAZIO
Vittorio Sacripanti candidate for president
ROME – A potential turning point for the FIPAV Lazio Regional Committee, which has been under commissarial management led by federal vice president Elio Sità. In recent hours, a leading candidate for the presidency has been identified: Vittorio Sacripanti.
A long-time figure in Italian volleyball, Sacripanti has held multiple roles across clubs and the federation—executive, team staff, team manager, national team sporting director, and SuperLega club executive—presented as a stabilizing profile after a “troubled” period for the committee.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA RIGHTS
EuroVolley 2026: Sky acquires rights; European club cups confirmed through 2026/27
MILAN – Sky expands its volleyball portfolio: it has acquired rights for the Women’s and Men’s European Championships 2026, and extended its agreement through 2026/27 for major European club competitions, including the CEV Champions League and a selection of top matches from the CEV Cup and Challenge Cup.
EuroVolley 2026 on Sky and NOW (Aug 21 – Sep 26)
Women’s national team (CT Julio Velasco): debut Aug 21 vs Croatia in Göteborg (Sweden). Italy are in Pool D with Montenegro, Sweden, Slovakia, and France. Knockout phase begins end of August; finals Sep 5–6 in Turkey.
Men’s national team (CT Fefè De Giorgi): debut Sep 10 vs Sweden in Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, then Pool A matches in Modena vs Greece, Slovakia, Czechia, Slovenia. Knockouts split between Sofia and Turin; semifinals and finals in Milan at the new Arena Milano – Santa Giulia on Sep 25–26.
Sky Sport editorial team
Sky announced studio and commentary coverage with Francesca Piccinini, Rachele Sangiuliano, and Andrea Zorzi, with Roberto Prini and Stefano Locatelli on play-by-play.
