Alan Nine
Volleyball.it moved through a full Saturday news cycle built around the next step for Italy in the men’s Volleyball Nations League, fresh federation business in Catania, a busy Italian transfer market, and the final verdicts from the AeQuilibrium Cup - Trofeo delle Regioni. The strongest themes of the day linked the senior national teams, the domestic market and youth competition, with several stories clearly separate from the June 26 roundup.
International
Italy spent the day in Ljubljana preparing for its June 28 meeting with Slovenia in Pool 6 of the men’s Volleyball Nations League. The Azzurri followed their 3-1 win over Brazil with a weight-room session, while outside hitters Mattia Bottolo and Alessandro Bovolenta described the next match as a major test against the host nation. Slovenia has already defeated Canada 3-1 and Bulgaria 3-2 during this week, while Italy climbed to four overall victories after beating Brazil. The match is scheduled for June 28 at 20:30, live on DAZN and VBTV.
Elsewhere on the international front, the Netherlands claimed the first leg of the men’s CEV European League semifinal by defeating Israel 3-1 in Doetinchem. The Dutch side, coached by Joël Banks, prevailed 25-23, 28-30, 25-23, 25-19, with Rik van Solkema making a decisive contribution off the bench and captain Joris Berkhout leading the team in a closely contested match. The return leg will be played on Sunday at the same venue, with a possible Golden Set should Israel level the semifinal.
Italian Volleyball
In Catania, the opening day of the Stati Generali della Pallavolo Italiana 2026 concluded with discussions focused on the federation’s structure, facilities, coach education and membership trends. FIPAV president Giuseppe Manfredi opened the event, while general secretary Stefano Bellotti reviewed the work of the federation’s 65 territorial committees, the 2025 financial results and investments directed toward sporting activity, national teams and clubs.
The program also included presentations on Italy’s roadmap toward the 2026 Men’s European Championship, the Volley Box facilities project and the FIPAV Cares initiatives dedicated to sustainability, inclusion and social responsibility.
The national-team program also continued with Italy’s Women's National Team B, which will return to the Centro Pavesi in Milan on Monday, June 29. Head coach Carlo Parisi called up 12 players for the training camp as preparations continue for the Mediterranean Games. Giulia Savioli and Alice Guerra will also join the group as invited players.
Italian Transfer News
The Italian transfer market produced several notable developments.
Cucine Lube Civitanova completed its outside hitter department by signing Davide Gardini, the 1999-born, 205-centimeter player arriving from Sonepar Padova. His career includes previous experience with Club Italia, an NCAA spell at Brigham Young University and a gold medal with Italy at the 2023 Summer Universiade.
In the women’s game, Numia Vero Volley Milano confirmed American outside hitter Khalia Lanier for a second season after a campaign in which she scored 493 points across domestic and European competitions.
Meanwhile, Tinet Prata signed Turkish international Efe Bayram, the 2002-born outside hitter who arrives after four SuperLega seasons with Cisterna. Bayram has already totaled 918 points in Italy’s top division and collected four MVP awards.
Youth Volleyball
The day also delivered the final results of the AeQuilibrium Cup - Trofeo delle Regioni in Catania.
In the boys’ competition, Lombardy defeated Lazio 2-0 to win a fourth consecutive title and the ninth in its history. The Lombardy team completed a flawless tournament with eight victories in eight matches without conceding a single set, equaling the all-time men's record of nine titles.
In the girls’ final, Veneto successfully defended its crown by defeating Lombardy 2-1 (25-23, 23-25, 15-12). The victory secured Veneto’s fifth title overall and its second consecutive triumph following the 2025 edition in Fasano. Stella Brustolin was named tournament MVP, while head coach Elisa Sperandio guided the regional team to another championship.
