Gianlorenzo Blengini started a new chapter in his coaching career in an impressive way. The head coach of the Bulgarian men's national team led Numia Vero Volley Milano to the Courmayeur Cup trophy in only his second match at the helm of the Italian women's team.
In the final, Milano defeated the European powerhouse Conegliano with a score of 3:1 (25:17, 15:25, 25:23, 25:23) and concluded the pre-season tournament in Courmayeur with two victories over two of its main rivals in Serie A1.

Just a day earlier, Blengini made his debut in women's volleyball with a decisive3:0 (25:20, 27:25, 25:19)against Scandicci. Paola Egonu was then chosen as MVP with 21 points, and Milano outperformed their opponent with 52% attack efficiency versus 46%, and 5:2 blocks.
In the final against Conegliano, Milano started extremely strong and took the first set with 25:17. The opponent's response was equally decisive – 25:15 in the second set, which leveled the score.
The next two sets proved to be decisive. Both were hard-fought battles, but in the closing points, Blengini's team showed greater resilience and won them with an identical 25:23. Thus, Milano closed the final with 3:1 and lifted the cup.
The success also holds additional value for the Italian specialist. Blengini took over Milano immediately after his commitments with Bulgaria at EuroVolley 2026 ended and had only a few days to work with his new team. In his debut against Scandicci, he used Bosio and Egonu on the diagonal, Kurtagic and Danesi in the middle, Lanier and Piva as outside hitters, and Fersino as libero.
Blengini himself had previously described the tournament primarily as an opportunity to check the organization and fluidity of the game before the start of the championship. However, the outcome turned out to be much better – two matches, two victories, only one lost set, and the first trophy in women's volleyball.
The final standings in the Courmayeur Cup are Milano, Conegliano, Novara, and Scandicci. Novara won the bronze medal match against Scandicci with a score of 3:1.
For Blengini and Milano, the real test now begins – the start of Serie A1. But the first message to their competitors has already been sent: the new Milano under the Bulgarian national team coach started with a trophy.