Italian volleyball giant Itas Trentino is almost certainly going to play in the Champions League in the 2026/27 season thanks to a "wild card" provided by the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV). The information was initially spread byVolleyball.it, and subsequently confirmed by Polish insider Jakub Balcerzak.
According to the publication, CEV President Rocco Sikiric made the statement immediately after the Champions League final in Turin in an interview for DAZN. He announced that the practice of distributing three "wild card" invitations to participate in Europe's most prestigious club tournament will continue next season.
Polish journalist Jakub Balcerzak revealed further details on the matter. According to him, Sikiric confirmed that talks have already taken place with the management of Itas Trentino and everything is moving towards Marcelo Mendez's team receiving one of the special invitations.
“CEV President Rocco Sikiric informed after the final match that there will be three "wild cards" for the Champions League next season as well. He added that he has already spoken with the leaders of Itas Trentino and everything is moving towards the team playing in the tournament,” Balcerzak writes.
The decision comes as a significant sign of the authority of the Trento club, which has established itself as one of the emblems of European volleyball over the past two decades. The "yellow-blues" are among the most successful clubs on the continent with numerous Champions League trophies, world club titles, and regular participation in the final phases of major tournaments.
The news was announced precisely during the Champions League Final Four at "Inalpi Arena" in Turin – an event that brought the final phase of the tournament back to Italian soil and once again underlined Italy's leading role in European club volleyball.
If the information is officially confirmed by CEV, Italy will further increase its presence in the tournament, and Trentino will guarantee its participation in the Champions League regardless of its final SuperLega ranking.
The European Volleyball Confederation is expected to officially announce the distribution of "wild card" invitations in the coming weeks.
photo: Nikolay Varadinov