Five Bulgarian internationals will play in three different teams of the Italian SuperLega in the 2026/27 season, and the draw for the first half of the season offered three direct "Bulgarian" derbies even before Christmas.
Lube Civitanova will rely on Alex and Simeon Nikolov, Monza
– on Iliya Petkov and Jasmin Velichkov, and Georgi Tatarov will wear the Allianz Milano kit. Thus, within six weeks, fans will be able to follow three direct clashes between Bulgarian internationals.
The first "Bulgarian" derby is scheduled for November 8 in a match from the fifth round, when Allianz Milano hosts Lube Civitanova. Thus, Georgi Tatarov will face Alex and Simeon Nikolov.
The second direct clash is on November 29 in the seventh round. Then Monza hosts Allianz Milano, meaning Iliya Petkov and Jasmin Velichkov will oppose Georgi Tatarov.
The culmination of the first half of the season comes on December 20 in the last 11th round. Monza hosts Lube Civitanova in a match that could bring together four Bulgarian internationals on one court
– Iliya Petkov and Jasmin Velichkov against Alex and Simeon Nikolov.
| Date | Round | Match | Bulgarian volleyball players |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 8, 2026 | 5 | Allianz Milano – Lube Civitanova | Georgi Tatarov – Alex and Simeon Nikolov |
| November 29, 2026 | 7 | Monza – Allianz Milano | Iliya Petkov, Jasmin Velichkov – Georgi Tatarov |
| December 20, 2026 | 11 | Monza – Lube Civitanova | Iliya Petkov, Jasmin Velichkov – Alex and Simeon Nikolov |
The three matches are spread over six weeks and will pit five Bulgarian internationals against each other in the strongest club championship in the world.
First matches of the "Bulgarian" teams
| Date | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| October 18, 2026 | Lube Civitanova | visiting Verona |
| October 18, 2026 | Monza | visiting Prata di Pordenone |
| October 18, 2026 | Allianz Milano | visiting Cisterna |
It is curious that all three teams with Bulgarian participation start the season as guests. Particularly interesting is Monza's debut against newcomer Prata di Pordenone, who has built an ambitious squad with several national players and will certainly not be an easy opponent.
Important dates for the 2026/27 season
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of the regular season | October 18, 2026 |
| Italian Supercup | November 14–15, 2026 |
| Italian Cup | February 6–7, 2027 |
| End of regular season | February 28, 2027 |
| Start of playoffs | March 7, 2027 |
| Start of playouts | March 14, 2027 |
| Possible end of final series | May 11, 2027 |
The asymmetric calendar will be used for a second consecutive year, with the order of matches in the second half of the season being different from that in the first.
