The coach of the "Azzurre" revealed the motives for his decisions during the team's presentation for the 2025 season, which also includes a match against Bulgaria in the VNL.
During the pre-season presentation of the Italian women's national volleyball team in Milan, coach Julio Velasco announced the list of 30 players called up for the national team for the 2025 season. This news is important for Bulgaria as well, sinceItaly will play against Antonina Zetova's team during the second tournament of the Nations League (VNL) in China.
Called-up players
The extended squad of 30 players with whom Julio Velasco will prepare includes:
Setters:Jennifer Boldini, Carlotta Cambi, Chidera Eze Blessing, Rachele Morello, Alessia Orro
Opposite Hitters:Merit Adigwe, Ekaterina Antropova, Paola Egonu, Giorgia Frosini, Adhuoljok Malual
Middle Blockers:Anna Danesi, Sara Fahr, Anna Gray, Matilde Munarini, Linda Nwakalor, Benedetta Sartori, Federica Squarcini
Outside Hitters:Alice Degradi, Gaia Giovannini, Alice Nardo, Stella Nevrini, Loveth Omoluy, Piva, Miriam Sylla, Alice Tanase
Liberos:Martina Armini, Monica De Gennaro, Eleonora Fersino, Ilenia Moro, Sara Panetoni
During the presentation, Velasco noted that four players (Elena Pietrini, Cristina Chirichella, Sara Bonifacio, and Marina Lubian) have withdrawn from the national team.
Explanation for Caterina Bosetti
Caterina Bosetti, a gold medalist from the Paris Olympic Games, is also missing from the squad. Velasco explained this asa final but difficult technical choice. The motive isthe intention to rejuvenate the outside hitter position and make "a small step forward". He acknowledges that Bosetti was a very important player for the Olympic victory and was exemplary, but he believes there are other players who can contribute to improving the position. Velasco is of the opinion that to give young people a chance and trust, sometimes you have to take risks and "burn bridges" without waiting for things to go wrong. He emphasized that he has no personal reproaches against Caterina Bosetti.
Opinion on Lorenzo Bernardi
Regarding Lorenzo Bernardi, who is no longer part of the national team staff after the Paris Olympics, Velasco stated thatthere was no scandal. He had spoken with Bernardi and the decision was for Bernardi himself to dedicateone hundred percent to his club work and personal commitments, which Velasco approves of. Velasco revealed thathis original idea of including the best club coaches in his staff failed for various reasons. He wished Bernardi success with his club and hopes to have many national team players in his squad. Velasco denied rumors of strained relations with Bernardi, stating that he is not interested in speculation and rumors in the public space or social networks.
The Italian women begin preparations, with the first test matches scheduled for May 8 and 9 against Germany, and their participation in the Nations League begins on May 31 in Rio de Janeiro. The main event of the season is the World Championship.
