Italvolley, good test match in Biella even without the bigs

Italvolley inaugurated the new season in the best of ways, confirming the good things shown in 2025. 249 days after the world triumph in Bangkok, Julio Velasco’s team returned to the court for an official match, gaining a clear victory against France in the first round of the BPER Test Match played at the Palaforum in Biella.

The Azzurri won with a convincing 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-14), dominating the challenge from start to finish in front of the 2,500 spectators in the stands. Cambi and her teammates immediately imposed pace and intensity, leaving no room for the reaction of the French, who were unable to find effective countermeasures.

Protagonist of the evening Linda Manfredini, awarded MVP on the very day of her birthday. Italy will be back on court tomorrow at 9 p.m. for the second match against France, scheduled at the PalaIgor in Novara, with live coverage on Rai Sport, Sky Sport Uno and Sky Sport Arena.

For the season debut Velasco lined up the Cambi-Adigwe diagonal, Omoruyi and Nervini on the band, Meli and Manfredini in the middle, with Fersino in the role of libero. For the two starting centerpieces, it was their absolute debut with the senior national team. France, on the other hand, responded with Selosse at setter, Depie opposite, Ratahiry and Rotar as setters, Fanguedou and Sylves as centers and Gelin as libero. The referee direction was entrusted to Giuliano Venturi, in his last career match, assisted by second referee Mauro Goitre.