Vero Volley Monza (Milan) officially started its preparations for the 2026/27 season. The Italian powerhouse held its first training sessions at the "Opiquad Arena," but for now, without its new head coach Gianlorenzo Blengini.
Blengini is currently engaged with the Bulgarian men's national team, which is preparing for the upcoming European Championship. Until the Italian specialist joins, the training process in Milan will be led by assistant coach Massimo Caponeri, supported by assistant Nicola Daldello.
The club's sports director, Claudio Bonati, was also present at the start of the preparations.
During the first week, the Milan volleyball players will conduct a total of six training sessions, including technical work and gym workouts. The program continues until Saturday morning, with Sunday designated as a rest day.
In the initial stage, Caponeri has only six first-team players available. Among them is the new addition Giulia Gennari, as well as the remaining squad members Francesca Bosio, Rebecca Piva, Benedetta Sartori, Virginia Di Napoli, and Haleigh Washington.
Four volleyball players from the club's academy have also been brought in for training – Ginevra Gibelli, Martina Casati, Nadia Cherubino, and Anita Tessariol.
The remaining eight players from the representative team will join the preparations after their commitments with their national teams are concluded.
Later, the new strength and conditioning coach Alessandro Bracceschi will also join the staff. He is currently with the Dutch women's national team at the European Championship in Azerbaijan.
After the first six sessions and the rest day on Sunday, Milan's preparations will resume on Monday, August 24. The women's team will then train again at the "Opiquad Arena," where they will also meet with the club's men's team, which is also resuming work.
Milan faces a season with ambitions on two fronts – the Italian Serie A1 and the Champions League. Official matches begin on the first weekend of October.

photo:verovolley.com