Alan Nine
2027 Women’s World Cup: FIVB confirms full 32-team field
The FIVB has confirmed the 32 teams that will compete at the 2027 Women’s World Cup, to be held in the United States and Canada from 20 August to 5 September.
The co-hosts qualified automatically alongside defending champions Italy. A further 15 teams secured their places through the five continental championships, with the remaining 14 berths allocated according to the world rankings on 2 October.
Switzerland, ranked 30th, will make their tournament debut, while Russia are also among the teams to qualify through the rankings.
The competition will begin with eight pools of four, with the top two in each advancing to the round of 16. The Honda Center in Anaheim will host the final stages. Olympic qualification will also be at stake: the three highest-placed teams not already qualified for Los Angeles 2028 will earn a place at the Games.
SuperLega: Eight substitutions among rule changes for new season
Italian men’s Serie A clubs have been briefed on the rule changes for 2026/27, including an increase from six to eight substitutions per set.
Coaches, officials and representatives of all 49 clubs joined FIPAV’s refereeing department for an online meeting covering the changes and how they will be applied.
Teams will no longer be able to request a time-out immediately after a Video Check, while the ball may remain in play after hitting the ceiling under specified conditions. The trial rule on double contacts by setters on the second team touch will continue. The meeting also addressed how referees should judge prolonged contact with the ball.
Tubertini set for Modena’s league opener
At Modena Volley, the rules on combining club and senior national-team coaching roles have brought different arrangements for Lorenzo Tubertini and Roberto Ciamarra.
Tubertini’s contract with the French federation has ended, but he cannot take his place on the bench until 16 October. He is expected to be courtside for Modena’s league opener against Trentino on 18 October.
Assistant coach Ciamarra, who also works on Ferdinando De Giorgi’s Italy staff, has received a one-off, six-month exemption at FIPAV’s request. That allowed him to sit on Modena’s bench at the Memorial Andrea Parenti, but the exemption applies to his case alone rather than to national-team assistants generally.
Robinson continues recovery at Piacenza
Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza outside hitter Cooper Robinson said he had been preparing for a move to Poland before the Italian club approached him.
The 24-year-old American is recovering from surgery on his right knee, with Piacenza yet to announce a return date. Robinson spent last season with the Hiroshima Thunders and won VNL silver with the United States during the summer.
Women’s Serie A2: Imola overturn eight-point deficit in remarkable tie-break win
Clai Imola produced the opening round’s most dramatic comeback, recovering from 4-12 down in the fifth set to beat Club Italia 3-2, taking the decider 22-20.
Cavalli’s run of serves sparked the recovery before Orlandi, who was named MVP, scored the match-winning point.
Club Italia had to settle for a point despite outblocking Imola 18-9, with Feriozzi contributing six blocks and Savioli five.
Elsewhere, Costa Volpino, Altafratte, Monviso and Trentino all began their campaigns with straight-sets victories. Altamura beat Cremonese 3-1, following four-set wins for Roma and Busto Arsizio on Saturday.
Busto have also brought in setter Eleonora Muscetti as cover while Natasha Spinello recovers from a back problem. Muscetti’s registration was completed on Friday, and she featured in the third set of Saturday’s victory over Perugia.
Italian women’s volleyball: FIAT joins league as Premium Court Partner
FIAT has been named the Italian Women’s Volleyball League’s Premium Court Partner for the 2026/27 season.
The agreement covers Serie A1, Serie A2, the Italian Cup and the Super Cup, spanning more than 400 matches across the regular season, play-offs and cup events.
FIAT branding will feature on courtside LED boards and interview backdrops, with digital campaigns and in-arena activities also planned. The partnership extends to clubs across 13 Italian regions and 26 provinces.
