Alan Nine
Volleyball.it on July 9 moved across international politics, youth continental competition, national-team planning and league business. The strongest editorial thread remained the debate opened by the FIVB decision to readmit Russia, while the court delivered more positive signals for Italy's youth teams. The day also clarified Italy's men's squad for the last intercontinental week of the Volleyball Nations League, set a key date for the next CEV cup draws and confirmed a significant commercial step for the women's Italian league.
International Debate
The main follow-up to the Russia story came from CEV. In a statement reported by Volleyball.it, the European confederation said it had taken note of the decision made by the FIVB Board of Administration after the updated recommendations of the IOC Executive Committee, and that it will meet in due course to discuss the implications for competitions organized by CEV. The confederation added that it will not make further statements until those discussions are complete.
Volleyball.it also highlighted a strong reaction from Oleh Plotnytskyi. The Ukrainian outside hitter used a long Facebook message to criticize the readmission of Russia to international competition, linking the decision directly to the war that has continued since February 24, 2022. The report said Plotnytskyi described the return as incompatible with the humanitarian reality of the conflict and argued that sport cannot be separated from that context. Volleyball.it noted that the wider debate has immediate sporting consequences as well, because Russia's re-entry into the frozen 2022 ranking affects qualification paths and future international access.
International Under
Italy's youth teams produced another full day of headlines. The most recent result came in the Women's Under 22 European Championship, where Italy beat Portugal 3-0 in Pool II with set scores of 25-13, 26-24, 25-14. The team coached by Nino Gagliardi closed the group stage unbeaten and in first place, reaching the semifinal against Spain. Giorgia Amoruso was Italy's top scorer with 14 points, while Dalila Marchesini added 10.
In Riga, the Italy Under 18 women's team lost 3-2 to Turkey but still advanced to the semifinals in second place in Pool I. The scoreline was 27-25, 25-18, 20-25, 20-25, 15-11. Volleyball.it underlined Italy's recovery from a 2-0 deficit and the strength of its blocking game, which produced 22 winning blocks. Anita Tessariol finished with 21 points, while Bianca Legrenzi and Marina La Tella combined for 15 blocks. Italy closed the first phase with 19 points and will play a semifinal on July 11.
Earlier in the day, the Italy Under 18 men's team defeated Finland 3-1 in Porto San Giorgio, following up its opening win over Serbia. The set scores were 25-18, 25-23, 17-25, 25-22, and the result left Italy alone in second place in Pool I with 5 points. Diego Bussolari led the Azzurrini with 16 points, while Volleyball.it reported that captain Massari changed the momentum of the fourth set with two consecutive aces.
National Teams And European Cups
On the senior men's side, Volleyball.it published the 14-man Italy roster for Week 3 of the VNL in Osaka. The team of Ferdinando De Giorgi will leave from Milan Malpensa on July 10 and will play in Japan from July 15 to 19 in Pool 9 against Japan, Belgium, Argentina and Cuba. Italy arrives in sixth place overall with 5 wins and 16 points, with key returns including Simone Giannelli, Yuri Romanò, Fabio Balaso and Roberto Russo.
The European-club calendar also moved forward. Volleyball.it reported that the draws for the 2026-27 CEV Champions League, CEV Cup and Challenge Cup, men and women, will be held in Luxembourg on July 15 starting at 12:00, with live streaming on CEV's official channels.
Italian Leagues And Market
A relevant business update arrived from the women's league: Fineco will become title sponsor of the top two domestic divisions from the 2026-27 season, creating the new names LVF A1 Fineco and LVF A2 Fineco. Volleyball.it described the move as an expansion of a partnership already in place for two seasons between Lega Pallavolo Serie A Femminile and the banking group.
The daily market digest also added a few useful notes for the next Italian season. Volleyball.it reported that setter Alessandro Acquarone is leaving Itas Trentino for AS Cannes after three seasons, 85 appearances, the 2024 Champions League and the 2025 Italian title. The report also said Domotek Reggio Calabria signed young setter Marco Favretto for its first Serie A2 season, Avimec Modica added middle blocker Lorenzo Caciagli for Serie A3, and Nexsum Soverato brought in utility player Denise Vinci after her three-promotion run with Tonno Callipo Vibo Valentia.
