Today's issue of "Gazzetta dello Sport" features a commentary by Julio Velasco, in which the legendary coach outlines a clear program for the Italian national team's next season (the article from the "pink newspaper" is also reprinted by volleyball.it):
"In 2026, I will use the Nations League to introduce new players," he states.

These words mark the beginning of a new chapter for Italy's women's national team – Olympic and world champions – on the eve of a summer in which leading stars Alessia Orro, Myriam Sylla, Anna Danesi, and Paola Egonu will receive a well-deserved rest after two years of consecutive triumphs.

As reported by "Gazzetta," Velasco explained during the Sports Festival in Trento that the group ofthe Azzurreneeds to be expanded, and the Volleyball Nations League 2026 will serve as a ground for the growth of the new generation. The Italian Serie A1, the strongest championship in the world, will be used as a "technical laboratory" for continuous monitoring of young talents.

Setters: Eze and Cambi are the primary options

With Alessia Orro taking a break, an interesting race for the setter position is underway. Chidera Eze (22 y.o.) is among those most closely watched by Velasco – after being relegated with Talmassons, she won gold at the Universiade and now in Bergamo has a chance to solidify her development.
Behind her is Francesca Cambi, Novara's leader, who started the season impressively. These two will compete for a spot in the VNL 2026 squad.

Opposites: Obossa is a candidate behind Antropova

In the opposite role, the future is already outlined. With Egonu resting, Italy's attack will be entrusted to Ekaterina Antropova, and emerging behind her is Josephine Obossa – in exceptional form with Busto Arsizio and with 56 points in the first two rounds of the championship, she is the leading Italian scorer in Serie A1.

Outside Hitters: Nardo, Gardini, and Nervini under scrutiny

In the absence of Myriam Sylla and the recovering Degradi, Velasco has a rich selection of young prospects.
Stella Nervini, the discovery of the 2025 World Championship, is among the brightest new stars. Alongside her are Alice Nardo (San Giovanni in Marignano) and Beatrice Gardini (Perugia), who demonstrate consistency and confidence. A return for Rebecca Piva is also possible if she maintains her stability from last season.

Middle Blockers: Fahr is the certainty, Ekl and Gray – the future

In the middle, Sara Fahr remains unshakeable, but Velasco is also preparing new solutions.
Katia Ekl (22 y.o.), a Universiade gold medalist and a leader at Busto Arsizio, is a main candidate to replace Anna Danesi.
Anna Gray from Chieri also started the season with stability and confidence, while Federica Sartori remains on the sidelines in Milan.

Libero: after De Gennaro – the big question

Monica De Gennaro's retirement leaves a significant void. Eleonora Fersino (Milan) appears to be the most logical successor, but Ilaria Spirito (Chieri) and young Anna Bardaro (Cuneo), a U21 world champion, will also be under observation.

Conclusion

Julio Velasco outlined a clear path: VNL 2026 will be the testing ground for the new generationAzzurri, called to continue the golden cycle that began in Paris and continued in Bangkok.
Serie A1 remains the best ground for selecting tomorrow's heroes – under the gaze of one of the greatest strategists in volleyball history.

collage: volleyball.it