The sports scene in Italy is buzzing with fresh energy and optimism as two renowned clubs—NPC basketball and ASD Pro Recco Pallavolo—embark on new journeys for the 2025-26 season. Both organizations, rooted in tradition yet brimming with renewed determination, are setting their sights on growth, community engagement, and competitive success after a summer filled with pivotal decisions and strategic changes.
For NPC, the summer of 2025 was nothing short of transformative. Despite securing their place in the Serie B National men’s basketball league, the club faced a crossroads. Logistical, organizational, and financial challenges forced the leadership to make the tough call to withdraw from the national competition. It wasn’t a decision taken lightly. In a heartfelt statement, club president Giuseppe Cattani reflected, “The results may not always be what we hope for, but love and passion can’t be suppressed. What we feel for this wonderful sport is like a flame that’s always burning inside us, impossible to extinguish regardless of the league or championship we play in.”
NPC’s response to adversity? A bold campaign aptly named “Restart.” With “immense pride, renewed determination, and the same values as always,” NPC announced its participation in the upcoming season with two senior teams: the DR1 Umbra (formerly Serie D) men’s championship and the Serie B women’s championship. The club’s leadership emphasized a return to their roots, focusing on local development and a vision anchored in community spirit.
“We were written off, but we didn’t give up,” the club declared. “We decided to go back to where we started and pursue a new sporting dream that once took us to the highest national levels, giving us unforgettable experiences.” The club’s history is filled with emotional highs—moments under the bright lights that, as they admit, sometimes made it easy to lose sight of their identity. Now, with humility and determination, NPC is forging a new path, proud of its past and eager to build a future that’s even more deeply rooted in the local territory.
All home games and most daily activities will now take place at PalaCordoni, a venue that the club calls its “new home.” This move is more than logistical—it’s symbolic of NPC’s commitment to community and accessibility, inviting fans, friends, and especially young athletes and their families to be part of the journey. The club has confirmed registrations across all youth and minibasket categories for the coming season, a testament to the trust and enthusiasm of the local basketball community. “Knowing we have so many young people on our side is a guarantee, because they are our future,” the club stated.
Looking ahead, NPC will soon unveil its technical and sports programs, introduce the coaching staff for both senior and youth teams, present team rosters, and share details of its new organizational structure. The leadership’s gratitude for the continued support is palpable: “A great sign of appreciation that we can only thank you for, and which we take as a huge incentive to keep going straight on our path, indifferent to any external distractions.”
Meanwhile, on the volleyball courts, ASD Pro Recco Pallavolo is riding a wave of momentum into the new season. The club’s previous campaign was nothing short of stellar: victories in the U12 territorial championship, promotion of the 3rd division female team, and the first female team’s leap into the 1st division. “So much work this summer to start off on the right foot in all categories,” noted Andrea Camussa, a club executive, highlighting the relentless preparation that’s gone into ensuring every squad is ready to compete.
ASD Pro Recco Pallavolo’s technical staff boasts both continuity and exciting new additions. Salvatore Soffietto remains at the helm of the first team, while Mario Valva continues with the 2nd Division and U16 squads. Alessandro Domenici will once again guide the U13 and U12 teams, and Luigi Massone returns as athletic trainer. But the club isn’t standing still—new faces are joining the ranks to further strengthen the organization’s foundation.
The newly formed U13 male team welcomes coach Luca Figallo, a respected figure from Rapallo, who will work alongside Erika Passalacqua, already a familiar presence at the club. This initiative reflects the club’s commitment to developing the boys’ sector, a project “strongly desired by the club.” For the 3rd Division and U14 teams, Christian Perri steps in as coach, bringing experience and a proven ability to nurture young talent and keep the sport fun.
Gianfranco Falsini, another club stalwart, takes on the role of S3 manager, supporting not only the youngest players (with Erika Passalacqua) but also all youth categories. His collaboration with other coaches is expected to foster a cohesive and supportive environment across the club’s entire structure.
One of the cornerstones of ASD Pro Recco Pallavolo’s strategy is its ongoing partnership with Myclub 76 and the Serie A team Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri. These alliances provide valuable resources, exposure, and opportunities for both players and coaches, ensuring that the club remains connected to the broader volleyball ecosystem and can offer its athletes a pathway to higher levels of the game.
As both NPC and ASD Pro Recco Pallavolo gear up for the challenges and excitement of the 2025-26 season, their stories are marked by resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of sport to unite and inspire. Fans and families can expect thrilling action at PalaCordoni and on the volleyball courts, where every match will be a testament to hard work, community spirit, and the enduring flame of passion for the game.
With formal presentations, team rosters, and further announcements just around the corner, the stage is set for an engaging season ahead. Whether it’s the bounce of a basketball or the spike of a volleyball, the message from these clubs is clear: the journey continues, and the best is yet to come.
