The men's and women's professional volleyball leagues in Italy are laying the groundwork for a common strategy to protect the interests of clubs before national and international sports institutions. The presidents of the two organizations, Claudio Durigon and Vito Cozzoli, held a meeting after which they announced their intention to coordinate their actions on key issues, including the future international calendar, the financial sustainability of clubs, and relations with the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV).
The joint statement of October 26 emphasizes the need to protect club investments, more effectively utilize resources, and present a unified position in discussions with FIVB, the European Confederation (CEV), and the Italian government.
The dispute over the international calendar
One of the most significant issues is FIVB's intention to change the distribution of club and national team competitions throughout the year.
As early as July 30, the men's and women's leagues in Italy issued a joint statement against the possibility of international tournaments being held in December, January, and February. The clubs warned that such a change would disrupt the normal course of national championships, increase the risk of injuries, and affect investments made for the development of professional volleyball.
Their position was categorical
FIVB must abandon the idea of international competitions in the midst of the club season.
In AugustVolleyball.itpublished details of a draft international calendar discussed by FIVB. According to the presented option, for men, a period for national teams could be set aside as early as November and December 2028, while for women, a similar break is planned for January and February 2029.
This would mean a change from the current model, where the biggest national team tournaments are mainly held in the summer.
FIVB confirmed that it is consulting on the calendar for the 2029
2032 period with federations, leagues, clubs, coaches, and players. The International Federation presents the initiative as an attempt to find a balance between the different competitions and the recovery of volleyball players. A final decision on the new scheme has not yet been announced.
Durigon: Tearing the season apart would cause enormous damage
Just nine days before the meeting with Cozzoli, the president of the men's league commented on the possible changes in an interview with Corriere dello Sport. Durigon warned that splitting the club championship into separate periods could have serious consequences, including causing some investors to reconsider their involvement in volleyball. He expressed his conviction that the coordinated actions of professional organizations could influence future decisions. The now-announced cooperation between the two leagues is precisely in this direction.
Joint tournaments for men and women are also possible
The partnership will not be limited only to relations with international federations.
As early as the beginning of October, Vito Cozzoli revealed to Il Sole 24 Ore his intention to work with the men's league to organize large-scale joint events. In a subsequent interview with OA Sport, he went even further, pointing to the possibility of an international event involving men's and women's clubs. For now, this is an idea, not an already agreed-upon tournament. Among the other areas of cooperation are attracting sponsors, developing the television product, common commercial initiatives, and protecting the financial interests of clubs before the state.
Both organizations place a strong emphasis on the economic sustainability of professional volleyball. In Italy, tax breaks, insurance costs, and the need to modernize sports halls are being discussed.
New presidents, new approach
The meeting comes after changes in the leadership of both organizations. Claudio Durigon took over the men's league on July 16, succeeding Massimo Righi. In addition to his sports position, he is also Deputy State Secretary in the Italian Ministry of Labor and Social Policies. Vito Cozzoli was elected on September 29 as president of the women's league, replacing Mauro Fabris, who led it for 20 years.
The two have experience in public administration and had already expressed readiness for cooperation before the official announcement of the joint initiative.
The new partnership does not foresee a merger of the men's and women's leagues. They will retain their organizational independence but will strive to defend common positions on issues affecting professional clubs.
So far, no specific deadlines, financial commitments, or a mechanism for joint decision-making have been announced. It remains to be seen whether the initiative will turn into lasting cooperation and to what extent the common position of Italian clubs will be taken into account when determining the future international calendar.
photo:legavolley.it
