Redazione Volleyball.it
MODENA – Between official call-ups, youth calendars and the first outlines of the 2026 VNL season, Volleyball.it’s coverage focused primarily on the Italian national teams. At the same time, SuperLega, the transfer market and a strong international section — with titles in Turkey, Romania and Croatia — rounded out the day, alongside a feature marking 40 years since Chernobyl.
Italy National Teams
Men’s National Team
Head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi presented the new season, outlining the roadmap for 2026: integrating young talent to build growth and continuity, without turning results into an obsession. On the same day, the official VNL 2026 long list was released, with 39 players selected.
Women’s National Team
For the women, Volleyball.it published the official list of athletes selected for the 2026 season. Framing the announcement were the words of Julio Velasco, who said: “Our girls are like Brignone”, referring to the mental clarity and freedom required to perform at the highest level.
Communication – The Piva Debate
One of the most discussed topics concerned Rebecca Piva: the only Italian outside hitter starting in the Scudetto Final, yet excluded from the national team list. Asked about the situation, Velasco dismissed the question as “out of place”, a response that inevitably fuels debate over selection criteria and hierarchy in the outside hitter position.
Italy Youth Programs – 2026 Overview
The day also featured two detailed guides dedicated to the youth national teams.
Italy Women’s Youth 2026: where they will compete and when, with focus on the U17 World Championship and the U18 and U22 European Championships.
Italy Men’s Youth 2026: complete outlook on the U17 World Championship in Qatar, the U18 European Championship hosted in Italy, and the U22 European Championship in Portugal.
SuperLega – Play Off Challenge
At Itas Trentino, significant injury news: Théo Faure will be sidelined for at least ten days, forcing him to miss the 5th-place playoff final, directly impacting Trento’s bid for European qualification.
SuperLega Transfer Market
The 2026/27 transfer board continues to evolve:
Sani is reportedly close to staying in Verona.
Modena are monitoring Orioli.
Lube are considering Tonkonoh as a potential option.
International News
Romania
Giovanni Caprara wins the national title with CSO Voluntari. Alba Blaj finish second, with mention of Italian player Vittoria Piani in their roster.
Croatia
Mladost Zagreb claim the championship, completing a seasonal double and securing their historic 20th title, under Italian head coach Riccardo Boieri.
Turkey
Ziraat Bankkart are champions: Galatasaray defeated 3–0 again in Game 3, sealing the series in dominant fashion.
International Feature – Chernobyl, 40 Years Later
The day also included a reflective long-form story marking 40 years since the Chernobyl disaster. The testimony of Tishchenko recounts silence, radiation and human consequences, with a clear message: “Lies cost lives.”
