Alan Nine
Allianz Milano unveiled a new-look squad under Guillermo Falasca, with Robertlandy Simón the headline addition as the club marked its tenth year in the city. Elsewhere, UYBA confirmed they will play all their home matches in Biella this season, while Galatasaray began their Turkish campaign with Super Cup silverware.
SuperLega: Milano launch new era under Falasca
Allianz Milano presented their squad and coaching staff for 2026/27 at Torre Allianz in CityLife, beginning a new chapter under Guillermo Falasca.
Falasca succeeds Roberto Piazza, whose tenure lasted seven seasons, and becomes the first foreign head coach in Powervolley’s history. His staff includes assistant coach Davide Delmati, strength and conditioning coach Alessandro Guazzaloca and scout Salvatore Nicastro.
The squad blends Robertlandy Simón’s experience with a younger generation. Libero Damiano Catania, 25, takes the captaincy as he enters his fourth season at the club. Simón heads a middle-blocker group featuring Alessandro Benacchio, Filippo Bartolucci and Davi Tenorio, with Santi Orduna and Simone Porro the two setters.
Milano open their league campaign away to Cisterna on Sunday 18 October, before welcoming Cuneo to the Allianz Cloud on 25 October.
There will also be a new commentary line-up for Rai Sport’s SuperLega coverage. Journalist Edi Dembinski takes over as lead commentator, with former Italy middle blocker Matteo Piano providing expert analysis. Luca Vettori is expected to join the team for selected broadcasts.
Women’s Serie A1: UYBA confirm Biella as home for the season
UYBA Busto Arsizio will play every home match of the 2026/27 season at the Biella Forum, which will carry the e-work Forum name throughout the campaign.
The club cited logistical, organisational and financial factors behind the decision, including the space needed for match-day equipment and sponsor activities.
President Andrea Saini stressed that returning to Busto Arsizio remains the long-term goal. That will depend on the e-work arena being safe and fully operational, with all the facilities required by the first team, academy, staff, supporters and commercial partners available for use.
Season-ticket holders travelling to Biella will be offered free coach transport to every home fixture and a €50 discount on qualifying merchandise purchases. Those unable to attend in Biella can request a refund.
Turkey: Maar leads Galatasaray to Super Cup triumph
Galatasaray claimed the Turkish men’s Super Cup for the second time in their history with a 3-1 victory over Ziraat Bankası Ankara (25-22, 25-21, 19-25, 25-21).
Stephen Maar earned MVP honours with 21 points, supported by Efe Mandıracı with 16 and Jean Patry with 12. Nimir Abdel-Aziz led all scorers with 30 points for Ziraat, but Galatasaray’s 11-5 advantage in blocks helped carry them to the trophy.
Head coach Andrea Gardini highlighted the achievement of winning silverware after his full squad had spent only around ten days together.
He pointed to the greater depth at his disposal and the importance of Mandıracı, whose Turkish passport gives Galatasaray more flexibility under rules allowing a maximum of three foreign players on court at any one time.
Gardini also believes investment in Turkish men’s volleyball is growing as clubs seek to match the standards set by the country’s women’s game.
Books: Ngapeth revisits his Italian years in Magic
Earvin Ngapeth reflects on the Italian chapters of his career in Magic, his autobiography written with journalist Guillaume Degoulet and published in French by Hugo Sport on 30 September.
Cuneo and Modena feature prominently in the 224-page book, which looks beyond trophies to explore friendship, belonging, mistakes and the search for balance.
Ngapeth recalls the support he received from Nikola Grbić and Hubert Henno after arriving in Cuneo and questioning whether he was ready to compete at that level.
His memories of Modena include the overnight drive that preceded his signing, his relationship with Angelo Lorenzetti and the tears that followed the 2016 league title.
Alongside those moments, Ngapeth offers his own perspective on the controversies of his career and reflects on why a team full of talented players does not necessarily become a winning side.
