In a bold move ahead of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League, Julio Velasco, the head coach of the Italian women's volleyball team, has officially announced the squad for the tournament, revealing that four notable players have declined their call-ups. This decision has sparked considerable discussion within the volleyball community, particularly as Italy heads into the competition as the defending champions.
Elena Pietrini, Sara Bonifacio, Cristina Chirichella, and Marina Lubian are the four players who have opted out of representing the national team. Velasco's reaction to their refusals was clear and uncompromising. "For me, the door is almost closed. Nobody should think that every year a player decides whether to come to the national team or not," he stated. This sentiment underscores Velasco's commitment to maintaining a strong and dedicated squad.
Velasco emphasized the significance of wearing the 'azzurra' jersey, stating, "The Italian national team is not a club; it is something special. I understand their motivations, I accept them, and I respect them. But a 'no' is always a 'no.' One can say, 'I have problems, and as soon as I solve them, I will be there.' Another thing is to say, 'I’m taking a summer off.'" This firm stance indicates that players who refuse to commit to the national team may find it challenging to return in the future.
Among the players who declined the invitation, Marina Lubian stands out not only for her talent but also for her recent accolades, having just won an Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024. Despite her impressive achievements, she faced physical issues throughout the past season, which may have contributed to her decision. Similarly, Elena Pietrini has been recovering from shoulder surgery, which limited her participation in the league, leading to her absence from the national team.
Bonifacio’s refusal came as a surprise, especially given her strong season with Igor Gorgonzola Novara, where she has been a key player since 2014. Despite no known injuries or public statements explaining her decision, her absence from the national team raises questions about her future with the 'azzurra' squad. Chirichella, on the other hand, has been vocal about her decision, stating, "Yes, my journey with the national team is over," following her performance in the Champions League final with Conegliano. At 31, she feels it is time to step away from national team duties.
As the Volleyball Nations League approaches, Velasco has called up a total of 30 athletes, blending seasoned veterans with promising newcomers. The squad will feature established stars like setter Alessia Orro and hitter Paola Egonu, alongside emerging talents from Serie A2, indicating a strategic move towards a new generation of players. This decision reflects Velasco's commitment to meritocracy and the future of Italian volleyball.
The upcoming matches are set to take place in various locations, with Italy playing in Rio de Janeiro from June 4-8, followed by games in Hong Kong from June 18-25, and concluding the preliminary phase in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, from July 9-13. As the defending champions, the pressure is on Velasco and his newly assembled squad to perform well and uphold Italy's reputation in international volleyball.
In light of the recent changes, Velasco has made it clear that he is looking for players who are fully committed to the national cause. He noted that while he understands the reasons behind the players' decisions, he will not compromise on the standards expected of national team members. "If some athletes do not want to embrace the 'azzurra' cause again, I take note, but if they wish to change their minds for a major event like the Olympics, then I will be the one to say no, because with me, it does not work that way," he remarked, reinforcing his strict policy regarding player commitments.
As the new cycle begins for the Italian women's volleyball team, the absence of key players opens the door for fresh talent. Young athletes like Alice Tanase, Alice Degradi, and Rebecca Piva are set to step into significant roles, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage. This strategic shift not only aims to maintain Italy's competitive edge but also to build a robust foundation for future tournaments.
With the Volleyball Nations League just around the corner, all eyes will be on Velasco's squad as they prepare to defend their title. The blend of experienced players and rising stars could prove to be a winning combination, but only time will tell if this new approach will yield the desired results. As Velasco himself stated, "The future of Italian volleyball is under construction, and it passes through this new generation ready to take the baton." The stage is set for an exciting tournament, and fans are eager to see how the team will adapt to these changes.
