Daily Volleyball News - August 28: Cuba edge Italy as Argilagos makes his debut

Cuba defeated Italy in five sets at the FIPAV Cup Men Elite, in a match that saw setter Bryan Argilagos make his senior international debut.

Elsewhere, Italy’s men finished top of their group at the Mediterranean Games, while the first national youth beach volleyball titles of the week were awarded in Bellaria Igea Marina.

International

Italy suffered a 3-2 defeat by Cuba at the PalaRescifina in Messina, losing 22-25, 25-21, 25-16, 19-25 and 13-15 in front of 3,800 spectators.

Ferdinando De Giorgi’s team recovered from losing the opening set to establish a 2-1 lead, but Cuba responded by taking the fourth before edging a closely contested tie-break.

Italy were without their two first-choice setters. Simone Giannelli was rested, while Riccardo Sbertoli was unavailable after suffering from cramp during Wednesday’s match against Germany.

De Giorgi therefore selected Bryan Argilagos, who had joined the senior squad earlier in the day. The young setter scored three points on his senior international debut.

Yant led Cuba with 22 points, while Yuri Romanò was Italy’s leading scorer with 20.

The Azzurri will have a rest day on Saturday before returning to action against Brazil on Sunday, August 30 at 21:00. Germany will face Brazil in Messina on Saturday at 20:00.

Mediterranean Games

Italy’s men completed the Mediterranean Games pool stage with a 3-0 victory over France, winning 25-21, 25-17 and 25-23.

Vincenzo Fanizza’s team finished top of Pool A after controlling the match with their serving and recording six aces without conceding any.

Tim Held led the scoring with 13 points, while Diego Frascio contributed 11.

Italy will face Greece in the semi-finals at the PalaMazzola in Taranto on Saturday, August 29 at 20:00. Turkey and France will contest the first semi-final at 17:00.

Italian Leagues

Banca Valsabbina Millenium Brescia began their preseason with a 2-1 victory over Itas Trentino at the PalaGeorge.

Brescia won the opening two sets 26-24 and 25-21, before Trento took the third 25-19.

Kalina Veneva finished as the match’s leading scorer with 14 points, including four aces and two blocks.

Prosecco DOC A. Carraro Imoco Conegliano will hold a preseason training camp in the Belluno area from August 31 to September 5.

The team will train in Alleghe and Rocca Pietore, with sessions open to the public, before completing the camp with a friendly against Trento in Sedico on September 5 at 16:30.

Italian Transfer News

Diavoli Rosa Brugherio have signed Romanian opposite Ioan Verciuc for the 2026/27 Serie A3 season.

Born in 2008, Verciuc has already played for Dinamo Bucharest in Romania’s top division and represented his country at both European and World Championships.

He has also been named Romania’s best young player in each of the past two years.

Beach Volleyball

Ginevra Merlini and Nicole Scantamburlo won the women’s title at the Italian Under-20 Championships in Bellaria Igea Marina.

They defeated Sara Matterazzo and Viola Joy Pomponio 2-0 in the final, winning 26-24 and 21-18.

In the men’s competition, Matteo Iurisci and Francesco Denina claimed the title with a 2-0 victory over Simone Augugliaro and Lorenzo Profumo, winning both sets 21-13.

The national youth championships will continue with the Under-14 and Under-16 competitions until August 30, followed by the Under-18 events on August 31 and September 1.