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Latest news from the world of volleyball
Italy releases documentary about the World Cup in Manila with exclusive footage from the final with Bulgaria
The Bulgarian volleyball audience has good reason to pay special attention to the news from Italy, where the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV) announced the premiere of an official documentary film about the men's national team, which in 2025 became world champions after defeating Bulgaria 3:1 in the final in Manila. The film, titled "Hands on the World the historic back2back", will be broadcast on February 26 at 7:00 PM on FIPAV's YouTube channel and will offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the journey of Giannelli and company, including the final match against Bulgaria, through the federation's own footage and never-before-seen moments outside of television broadcasts. The 37-minute documentary film traces the emotions, difficulties, and key moments of Italy's path to the country's fifth world title in its history. FIPAV's cameras follow the team closely in the locker rooms, during travels, in moments of tension and joy, revealing the human side of a championship squad led by Ferdinando De Giorgi. Before the premiere of the men's documentary, on February 12 at 7:00 PM, a documentary dedicated to Italy's women's national team, "Born to Win Italy to the Top of the World", will also be released.
Preslav Petkov and Sorrento failed to stop Porto Viro
Preslav Petkov and Sorrento failed to stop Porto Viro's momentum in their away game, losing 3-1 (25:15, 32:34, 25:22, 30:28) in a long and dramatic match. Petkov finished with 7 points (60% attack efficiency), but his team made too many service errors – a total of 23, which proved decisive. Sorrento had their chances, especially in the second set, which they won after an epic battle, but failed to maintain their advantage in the subsequent sets. The top scorers for the visitors were Baldi (26 pts) and Paragire (22 pts), but this was not enough for a comeback. Sorrento's next match is on February 15, 2026, at home against Emma Villas Siena, where the team will seek a quick rematch.In the standings, "Bulgarian" Sorrento and Macerata, which rely on Bulgarian presence in their squads, are battling for the middle of the table, with both teams having 24 points after 18 rounds.
The Bulgarian trace in the history of the Coppa Italia
Coppa Italia A1 – Superlega has always been a stage for the biggest stars of European volleyball. The tournament, which brings prestige, tension, and high-level battles, has over the decades become one of the emblems of Italian volleyball culture. The history of the competition is filled with legendary names, big clubs, and finals that have left a lasting mark on European sports. And although the Coppa Italia is primarily a showcase for the local school, the Bulgarian footprint in this tournament is more than noticeable – both through volleyball players and coaches who have won the trophy, and through figures who are still part of Italian elite volleyball today. Even in the past tournament, which ended yesterday, the Bulgarian presence continues to be felt – Hristo Zlatanov, son of the legendary Dimitar Zlatanov, is the sports director of Piacenza, and a Bulgarian connection also exists in the management of the new trophy winner - Verona.
February 9 – the day volleyball celebrates, and Bulgaria looks to the Olympics
In the world volleyball tradition, February 9 is accepted as a symbolic date, associated with the birth of the game created by William G. Morgan at the end of the 19th century in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The occasion is another opportunity to recall how far volleyball has come – from the YMCA hall to the Olympic arenas and to becoming one of the most popular team sports on the planet. But for Bulgaria, this day comes at a moment when the focus is not only on history but also on the present – because 2025 was a year that brought Bulgarian volleyball back among the big topics in the world. Bulgarian volleyball has every reason to greet this date with its head held high.
Ravenna with 12th victory, remains at the top of the standings after 3:1 against Cantù
Consar Ravenna defeated bottom-ranked Campi Reali Cantù and solidified their position at the top of Serie A2. After being eliminated in the Italian Cup semifinals against Pineto, the team confidently returned to the championship and recorded a 3:1 victory (25:16, 23:25, 25:11, 25:21), which kept them firmly at the top of the table. The match was a clash between two of the youngest teams in the league – both teams feature only four players born before 2000, which further highlighted the significance of the encounter as an example of young talent development. The match was also filled with personal achievements, with the Bulgarian volleyball players once again in the spotlight. Hristiyan Dimitrov had another strong game, finishing with 20 points, +11, including an impressive 7 blocks, and now has 270 points since the start of the season.
Levski once again won the "eternal derby", this time as a guest of CSKA
Levski emerged victorious from the latest edition of the eternal derby in the Women's Demax+ Super League. In a match from the 13th round, "the Blues" managed to beat CSKA as guests and solidified their position among the leading teams in the championship. The match in "the Reds'" hall offered tension, long rallies, and several key turnarounds, but Denislav Dimitrov's team managed to impose its will and win with 3:1 (25:22, 28:26, 25:27, 25:16). The two teams started evenly, but by the end of the first set, Levski found a better rhythm and managed to take the lead. The second set turned into a real battle – CSKA turned the score around and took the lead in the closing points, but the visitors showed greater stability and snatched the set after extended play.
Impressive Veni Antov with 30 points, but Tourcoing allowed a complete comeback
Venislav Antov continues to establish himself as one of the brightest figures in the French Marmara Spike Ligue. The Bulgarian international played another strong match and scored 30 points, but even that was not enough for Tourcoing, who suffered a painful loss after a complete comeback. Tourcoing missed a match that seemed fully under control and lost 2:3(26:24,25:19,21:25,23:25,12:15) during their away game against Cannes in a match from the 20th round. With his new 30 points, Antov was not only above everyone on the court but also climbed to second place in the championship's top scorers ranking – a serious recognition of his consistency throughout the season. The national player also scored 1 ace and registered an impressive 52% attack efficiency (+18), once again being the main driving force in Tourcoing's offensive game.
After five years of existence, Rana Verona already has a trophy - the Italian Cup
Rana Verona are the new holders of the 2026 Italian Cup! Fabio Soli's team continued their fairytale run in the final four, and after defeating Perugia, they secured a second consecutive clean 3-0 (25:21, 25:22, 25:20) victory against champions Itas Trentino. Verona's main scorers were once again Darlan, who finished the first set with exceptional efficiency (80%), and Keita, who, despite his fluctuations in attack, became a decisive factor with his serve – two crucial aces at the end of the second set broke Trentino and made the score 2-0. Mozic was also a stable pillar in attack and reception, and the Venetians' block stifled their opponent in the third set. The final also had a strong symbolic moment – Fabio Soli, the man who led Trentino to the championship title last season, now brought the first trophy in Verona's history by defeating his former club.The MVP was Mika Christensen. For Verona, this is a historic breakthrough – the club, founded only in 2021, already has its first Italian Cup in its trophy cabinet.
Again a perfect Bardarov, but again a loss for IBB
Denislav Bardarov once again did everything possible, but again did not receive the necessary support from his teammates and IBB lost at home to Altekma 1:3 (25:22, 20:25, 19:25, 19:25) in a match from the 18th round of the SMS Grup Efeler Ligi. The match was played at IBB Cebeci Spor Kompleksi, and the guests from Izmir showed character after losing the first set, but made a complete comeback and achieved a valuable away victory. Bardarov played another impressive match and finished as the top scorer for the hosts with 25 points (+15), adding 2 blocks. The Bulgarian was also stable in reception 50% positive and 36% perfect, and recorded 49% success rate and 34% efficiency in attack. Unfortunately, support for him was again limited only Leonardo came close to double-digits with 12 points, which was not enough against Altekma's much more balanced squad.
Halkbank with an away win: Sokolov shines with 21 points, Kaziyski added 14 in a 1:3 victory over Gaziantep
Halkbank achieved a valuable away victory against Gaziantep with a score of 1:3 (25:22, 28:30, 18:25, 18:25) in a match from the 18th round of the Turkish Efeler League. Thus, the team from Ankara took revenge for their 2:3 loss in the first half of the season. The match lasted 130 minutes and offered a serious battle, especially in the second set, when Halkbank dramatically snatched a 30:28 victory, which proved to be the key moment for the turnaround. The top scorer for the winners was Tsvetan Sokolov with 21 points (+14), adding 3 blocks. The Bulgarian opposite finished with 52% attack success rate and 39% efficiency.