Marcello Abbondanza made two changes to the roster of the Bulgarian women's national team for the second tournament of the Nations League, which will take place in Thailand. The Italian specialist was forced to adjust the squad due to a health problem of one of the players, while also giving new names a chance to join the upcoming matches.
Koleva drops out due to a knee problem.
Maria Koleva is out of the squad due to knee problems and will not be able to help the team in the matches in Bangkok. Viktoria Ninova has been called up in her place.
The other change is at the opposite hitter position, where Merelin Nikolova replaces Monika Krasteva.
With Ninova's inclusion in the squad, Bulgaria will have three of the U19 world champions from the historic triumph in 2025. Besides her, the group also includes middle blockers Darina Naneva and Kalina Veneva, who were also part of the golden Bulgarian team that conquered the world summit.
The situation regarding the libero position remains interesting. The regular players for this position are Zhana Todorova and Mila Pashkuleva, but Viktoria Ninova traditionally also plays as a libero. This gives Abbondanza additional options when selecting the squad for individual matches.
Bulgaria's Schedule in Thailand
| Date | Time | Match |
|---|---|---|
| June 17 | 13:00 | Bulgaria – Poland |
| June 18 | 16:30 | Bulgaria – Thailand |
| June 19 | 16:30 | Bulgaria – Canada |
| June 21 | 09:00 | Bulgaria – Ukraine |
The Bulgarian team has an extremely tough schedule, as they will face three opponents who traditionally contend for a spot in the final phase of the tournament. The match against Ukraine also promises to be crucial in the battle for valuable points in the overall standings.
Bulgaria's squad for the tournament in Thailand
Setters:
Margarita Guncheva
Lora Slavcheva
Outside Hitters:
Viktoriya Ninova
Tsvetelina Ilieva
Miroslava Paskova
Kalina Veneva
Aleksandra Milanova
Opposite Hitters:
Merelin Nikolova
Mikaela Stoyanova
Middle Blockers:
Borislava Saykova
Darina Naneva
Kaya Nikolova
Liberos:
Zhana Todorova
Mila Pashkuleva
With the renewed squad, Abbondanza will try to improve Bulgaria's performance in the second tournament of the Nations League, and the presence of three U19 world champions is further proof of the gradual rejuvenation of the national team.
