The Italian women's national team officially commenced its new international cycle. Julio Velasco's squad will hold its first training camp of the year at the "Pavesi" Center in Milan from April 13–17, thus beginning the preparation of the world and Olympic champions for a busy summer. This was announced on the official website of the Italian federation.
Bulgaria's season in the Volleyball Nations League will also begin against this very opponent. Marcelo Abbondanza's team will face Italy on June 3 in Brazil, in the first match of the tournament's opening week – a clash that, right from the start, poses a serious test for the Bulgarian squad.
Italy enters the season with clear ambitions – to defend its status as a leading force in world volleyball and to challenge for new accolades in the VNL, and subsequently at the European Championship. Under Velasco's leadership, the "Azzurre" continue to build upon their established championship structure, combining seasoned names with new players.
The 14 players called up for the first camp:
Giorgia Frosini, Islam Gannar, Francesca Scola (Volley Talmassons); Dalila Marchesini (ASD Altino); Ilenia Moro (Pallavolo Pinerolo), Carlotta Cambi (Igor Novara).
After April 14 (until 11:00 PM), the following will join the camp:Alessia Bolzonetti, Eze Chidera Blessing Chinyere, Linda Manfredini, Denise Meli (Volley Bergamo 1991); Veronica Costantini (Igor Novara); Sara Caruso, Alice Nardo, Anna Piovesan (Consolini Volley).
An interesting detail is that from the Italian squad that defeated Bulgaria 3:1 (25:17, 23:25, 25:15, 25:15) in the VNL 2025 in Hong Kong on June 18, only one player is included in Velasco's first training camp group – setter Carlotta Cambi.
An interesting detail about the first camp is that all invited players have already concluded their club commitments, which explains the absence of many of Italy's stars at this stage. The camp itself is more consultative and selective in nature, with Velasco using the opportunity to test younger and less utilized players, without this implying a general change in the team's structure.
Even at the start of preparation, several key questions emerge regarding Italy's squad. One of them is related to the workload of the leading players after a long club season and the final series in the championship between Conegliano and Milan. Italian media are already commenting that some of the key figures – Paola Egonu, Alessia Orro (who is playing in the final playoffs with Marcelo Abbondanza's Fenerbahçe), Myriam Sylla, Anna Danesi, and Sara Fahr – might receive rest or limited participation at the beginning of the Volleyball Nations League.
In parallel, Velasco is also preparing a possible tactical change that could prove crucial for the team's development during the season. This involves a scenario where Ekaterina Antropova could be used as an outside hitter, which would allow her and Egonu to be on the court simultaneously. Such a move would give Italy exceptional attacking power, but at the same time raises questions about stability in reception and defensive play.
At the same time, the "Azzurre" enter the new cycle with a significant change in the squad – the end of Monica De Gennaro's national team career. One of the best liberos in history leaves a serious void in the organization of defense and reception, which will also be among the focus points of the staff's work.
For Bulgaria, the match on June 3 will be more than just a start; it will be an indicator of the team's level at the beginning of the new cycle. Against the reigning world and Olympic champions, every element – serve, block, and defense – will be under maximum pressure. Even with potential rotations, Italy remains one of the deepest and most balanced squads in world volleyball. This is precisely what makes Bulgaria's opening match in the VNL not only a challenge but also a valuable test against various possible facets of the champion team.
photo:federvolley.itandvolleyballworld.com
