Alan Nine
Italy continued their perfect start to the Women’s EuroVolley with a fourth consecutive straight-sets victory, setting up a decisive Pool D match against France.
There was disappointment for the men’s Under-17 team, whose World Championship campaign ended in the round of 16, while Monza and Altotevere became the latest Italian clubs to begin their preseason preparations.
Women’s EuroVolley
Italy defeated Slovakia 3-0 at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg, winning 25-19, 25-18 and 25-20 to move to 12 points in Pool D.
Julio Velasco’s team have won all four of their matches without dropping a set and had already secured their place in the round of 16.
Velasco rested Ekaterina Antropova and Eleonora Fersino, starting Paola Egonu opposite setter Alessia Orro and selecting Ilaria Spirito as libero.
Egonu led all scorers with 19 points, while Myriam Sylla contributed 12. Italy recorded 11 blocks to Slovakia’s two and finished with a 46% attacking efficiency.
Slovakia remained within reach during the opening set, but Italy took control once their serving became more effective and their block-defence system began to function consistently.
The Azzurre opened the second set with a 5-0 run and stayed in control throughout the third.
After the match, Velasco warned his players against spending too much time discussing errors during play, stressing the importance of turning their attention immediately to the next rally.
Italy will face France on Wednesday, August 26 at 16:00, with first place in Pool D at stake. France are also unbeaten and have yet to drop a set.
Youth International
Italy’s campaign at the Men’s Under-17 World Championship ended in the round of 16 following a 3-1 defeat by Argentina in Doha.
The South American side won 25-20, 25-23, 20-25 and 25-16.
Francesco Conci’s team recovered from an 8-4 deficit to draw level at 18-18 in the opening set, but Argentina pulled clear again in the closing stages.
Italy also fought back to 12-12 in the second before losing another closely contested finish. A much-improved third set, inspired by Federico Guiotto and Michele Mangini, kept the Azzurrini in the match.
Argentina regained control in the fourth, however, turning an 8-5 lead into a commanding 15-6 advantage.
Mangini led Italy with 15 points, followed by Guiotto with 13 and Samuele Storini with 11.
Argentina captain Bianchi finished as the match’s leading scorer with 25 points, while Ganino contributed five blocks.
SuperLega
Vero Volley Monza officially began their preseason programme at the Opiquad Arena, following an initial series of medical and fitness tests the previous day.
The opening week will combine gym and technical sessions with beach volleyball, pool work and further assessments at Isokinetic Milano.
The squad have an average age of 25.3 and will be completed by the return of seven players currently involved with their national teams.
Beginning his seventh consecutive season as Monza’s head coach, Massimo Eccheli said his aim is to develop a young team capable of causing problems for every opponent and competing for every point.
Elsewhere, Gianfranco Curti, founder of Gruppo CGI and a leading figure at Gas Sales Bluenergy Volley Piacenza, received the 2026 Piacentino dell’Anno award in Bobbio.
The award recognised his contribution to the local community and his support for a club that won the CEV Cup in April.
Serie A3
ErmGroup Altotevere will begin preparations in San Giustino on Wednesday, August 26.
Eighteen players have been called up for the opening phase, which will focus primarily on physical reconditioning, pool sessions and beach volleyball before more technical work is gradually introduced.
Mirko Monaldi, now in his sixth season with the club, is preparing for his first campaign as a head coach in Serie A3.
Assistant coach Davide Marra will concentrate mainly on physical preparation during the early stages, while vice-captain Giacomo Cherubini and young setter Riccardo Laurenzi are expected to join the group on September 1.
