VOLLEY WEEK

Italy without Giannelli in Ljubljana, De Giorgi makes way for youngsters against Bulgaria in VNL

The Italian national team will face Bulgaria in the second week of the Volleyball Nations League in Ljubljana with a changed squad. Head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi is facing personnel challenges related to the physical condition of some key players, which will affect the appearance of the "Azzurri" squad.The most significant absence for the Italians will be that of captain Giannelli. The setter will not be part of the first phase of the VNL, as the decision is related to his workload over recent seasons. The Italian staff is adamant that he will not be called up for the initial weeks of the tournament, and his potential inclusion could only be discussed if they qualify for the final eight. In practice, this means that Giannelli will not be available for the matches in Ljubljana, including the one against Bulgaria.However, De Giorgi's problems do not end there. One of the team's main outside hitters, Michieletto, will also not participate in the three weeks of the VNL. He is recovering from an unpleasant injury and has already gone through an extended period of rest, with his condition remaining under observation.The situation with Lavia is more delicate. The player has largely recovered after operations on his right hand, but after returning to the court, he also had an additional physical problem.