The German men's national volleyball team has a new head coach. Italian Massimo Botti was officially appointed as head coach of the 'Bundesteam', signing a contract with the German Volleyball Federation (DVV) until 2028. The 52-year-old specialist succeeds Michał Winiarski, who resigned from the post in November for personal reasons after four years leading the team.

Botti's appointment also has a Bulgarian connection. The Italian is well-known to our public as a former coach of Alex Grozdanov during his club period in Poland, where he worked with him in a highly competitive environment at the highest level.

Currently, Massimo Botti is the head coach of the Polish giant Asseco Resovia Rzeszów, and his experience in elite European volleyball is significant and multifaceted.

'I am very proud and happy to be working with the German national team,' Botti stated on the federation's official website during his presentation. 'I approach this task with great curiosity and enthusiasm. I want to convey my passion and energy to the players.'

Rich career as a player and coach

As a middle blocker, Massimo Botti has an impressive career. In the 90s, he won two Italian titles with Maxicono Parma, as well as the CEV Challenge Cup, the Italian Cup, and in 2010, he triumphed again in the Challenge Cup with Umbria Volley. A total of 15 seasons in Serie A1, with a height of 196 cm, speak volumes about his exceptional volleyball intellect and adaptability.

His coaching career began in 2016 at Canottieri Ongina, and two years later he took over the newly formed Gas Sales Piacenza, leading them directly to a title and promotion to the elite league. After a period as assistant coach, in 2023 Botti won the Italian Cup as head coach of Piacenza and finished third in the championship.

He then moved to Poland – first to Bogdanka LUK Lublin, with whom he won the championship title and the Challenge Cup, and from this season he leads Asseco Resovia Rzeszów.

High expectations in Germany

DVV is committed to a long-term project, and the goal is clearly formulated – qualification for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.

'Massimo is a relatively young coach, but he has already proven that he can lead teams to success in different countries and leagues,' commented DVV Sports Director Christian Dünnes. 'The fact that he has not yet led a national team makes him even more motivated.'

Botti himself is crystal clear about his priorities:

'The Olympic Games are my dream. Germany has a lot of potential, but serious work lies ahead. Our first task is to build a clear identity and a core of players who believe in this project.'

Before the big goal in Los Angeles, Germany will face the Volleyball Nations League and the European Championship, which will be the first real test for the new direction under the leadership of Massimo Botti.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov