World champion Italy has outlined a clear framework for its preparations for the 2026 season. The country's federation officially confirmed a series of test matches, which will be held in various locations across the Apennines – from north to south, as part of building form before the key tournaments.
Start in Rome and camp in Cavalese
The new season for the "Squadra Azzurra", led by coach Ferdinando De Giorgi, will begin on May 11 with a camp at the "Giulio Onesti" Olympic Preparation Centre in Rome. This follows an extremely successful 2025, in which Giannelli and his teammates won silver in the VNL and the world title in Pasay City.
On May 20, the team moves to Val di Fiemme, where the main part of the preparation traditionally takes place.
First tests before VNL
Italy will play three test matches at the end of May, before departing for the first week of the Nations League in Ottawa (June 6).
| Date | Venue | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 28 | Cavalese | Italy – Turkey | 18:00 |
| May 30 | Verona | Italy – Belgium | 21:00 |
| May 31 | Bergamo | Italy – Turkey | 17:30 |
The first cycle of control matches is balanced – against Turkey, which is a developing team, and Belgium, which traditionally offers physically strong volleyball. This allows De Giorgi to test different lineups and game combinations before the VNL.
Summer restart and test against Argentina
After the second week of the VNL, the Italians will gather again on July 2 in Cavalese, and three days later they will play another test match.
| Date | Venue | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 5 | Trento | Italy – Argentina | 18:00 |
The match against Argentina is strategic – the South American team is among the most challenging opponents for European teams, with a specific rhythm and aggressive defense.
Final stage – course towards the European Championship
The second half of the season will be entirely dedicated to preparations for the European Championship, which will be held precisely in Italy (Naples, Modena, Turin, and Milan).
| Date | Tournament | Venue | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 26 | BPER Test Match | Reggio Calabria | Italy – Cuba | 21:00 |
| August 28 | FIPAV Cup Men Elite | Messina | Italy – Cuba | 20:00 |
| August 30 | FIPAV Cup Men Elite | Messina | Italy – Brazil | 21:00 |
The final cycle of tests is at the highest level – against Cuba and Brazil. These are opponents with different styles, but with a common denominator – exceptional physicality and high intensity, which will be a key test for Italy's championship ambitions.
Italy's program is methodically built and clearly structured in three phases:
Initial stage – gradual loading and tests against more accessible opponents
Middle phase – control matches with a team of a different style, which is eighth in the world ranking (Argentina)
Final peak – matches against very strong teams from the world elite (Cuba and Brazil)
The geographical distribution is also striking – six different cities, which shows a targeted policy to promote the national team throughout the country.
The world champion enters 2026 with a clear strategy – gradual form building, combined with highly competitive tests just before the major forum. This is a model that in recent years has brought results to the "Azzurri" and established them as a leading force in world volleyball.
photo: Nikolay Varadinov
