Italian specialist Stefano Lavarini is set to return to lead the Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe Medicana, reported the specialized publication VoleybolunSesi. According to the information, the two sides have already signed a two-year contract, and the coach will lead the "yellow-blues" for the next two seasons.
However, as of now, there is no official announcement from Fenerbahçe on the club's website or official channels, which is why the news awaits official confirmation.
Lavarini already had a successful period at the helm of Fenerbahçe during the 2023/2024 season. Under his leadership, the team won the Turkish Cup and triumphed in the Sultanlar Ligi, before the Italian took over Numia Vero Volley Milano, where he has worked for the past two seasons. Parallel to his club career, he continues to be the head coach of the Polish women's national team.
According to the Turkish media, Lavarini's potential return will also raise the question of who will take over Numia Vero Volley Milano. Among the discussed options for his successor are the Italian Gianlorenzo Blengini and the Turkish specialist Ferhat Akbaş.
If the information is officially confirmed, it will also mean the end of Marcello Abbondanza's second stint at the helm of Fenerbahçe. The Italian specialist will remain in charge only of the Bulgarian women's national team, and it is very likely that he will seek a new club challenge in the coming months. Abbondanza has not yet signed any release documents, which suggests there is an unresolved legal issue regarding the penalty for early termination of the contract.
A week ago, VoleybolunSesi named Lavarini as the main favorite for the position, along with Lorenzo Bernardi and Ferhat Akbaş, after changes in the coaching staff began at Fenerbahçe.
If the deal is finalized and officially announced, this will be one of the most significant coaching returns in European women's volleyball this summer, and Fenerbahçe will once again rely on a coach who has already proven he can lead the team to championship titles in Turkey.
photos and collage: volleyweek.bg and Nikolay Varadinov
