The countdown for the new A2 Series season has already begun, but Consar Ravenna will have to make its debut on Sunday without Hristiyan Dimitrov. The Bulgarian opposite, who was part of the extended squad of the national team for the Volleyball Nations League 2025, is suffering from shoulder pain and will not be available to coach Daniele Valentini for the first match against Porto Viro. This was reported byilrestodelcarlino.it.

Dimitrov also missed the last friendly match – a 3:0 victory over San Giustino – and his absence presents Valentini with a personnel dilemma. The Italian specialist has two options: to rely on the reserve opposite Giacommini, who was signed this summer from Ongina (Serie B), or to move the other Bulgarian – Samuil Valchinov – from outside hitter to opposite, with Gottardo entering the starting lineup to play as an outside hitter alongside Dimitar Zlatanov's grandson - Manuel.

Ravenna's preparation went successfully – the team recorded even friendly matches against Siena and Fano (2:2), after which they defeated Porto Viro (3:1) and San Giustino (3:0). Coach Valentini continues to build chemistry within the squad, which combines four established starters – Russo, Zlatanov, Cannella, and Goi – with three new additions: Bartolucci, Valchinov, and Dimitrov.
"It's true that I missed two friendly matches because I have an injury. If necessary, I will play with painkillers in the first match," he clarified tovolleyweek.bgDimitrov.

Among the main favorites for promotion to the SuperLega are Siena, Taranto, Aversa, and Brescia, while Ravenna will have to compete with teams like Porto Viro, Macerata, and Fano for a spot in the top eight and participation in the playoffs.