Italvolley, third place worth while waiting for Paola Egonu’s return

The first week of the Volleyball Nations League 2026 has closed. On the Brazilian afternoon, the Azzura girls will return to Italy, where they will benefit from a few days of rest before starting their preparation for week 2, scheduled in Pasig City (Manila, Philippines) from June 17 to 21.

Italy leaves Brasilia with a very positive balance: three wins, one loss and 10 points won. Julio Velasco’s girls clearly overcame Bulgaria and the Netherlands 3-0, folded Turkey 3-1 and surrendered only at the tie-break against the hosts Brazil.

A result of great value considering that the national team presented itself at the Brazilian appointment with a largely renewed group, characterized by the presence of numerous young women at their first international experience. The new protagonists have responded in attendance, offering encouraging indications while waiting for the gradual returns of Danesi, Fahr, Egonu, Sylla and Orro, who will join the group in the coming weeks.

At the end of the first week, Italy occupies third place in the overall ranking with 10 points, behind Brazil and Japan, both with 11. Behind the Azzurri, all with three wins under their belt, are the Czech Republic, the United States, China and Poland. It is precisely the United States that will be one of Velasco’s team’s opponents in the second week of competitions scheduled in Pasig City.