Julio Velasco puts the Antropova experiment to rest

Julio Velasco, head coach of the Italian women’s national volleyball team, spoke after the victory over Japan in the 2026 Nations League. The Azzurre won 3-0 (25-20; 25-23; 25-18) in their final VNL Pool 5 match in Pasig City, Philippines. Kate Antropova returned to her position as opposite hitter after playing as an outside hitter in recent matches and scored 17 points.

Velasco himself explained that the experiment—aimed at fielding both Antropova and Paola Egonu at the same time—has been definitively shelved: “Antropova is back in her natural position; you can see that it works better this way. The experiment at position 4 is over: in my opinion, we need her, we need the double substitution, and we need her to play full matches or stretches of play, like in the World Championship semifinal. So, I think it’s better this way.”

Match analysis: “The girls did a great job of keeping up with the opponents’ very high pace. We defended well, covered the court, and attacked and served very effectively. So, I’m very satisfied. The match against the United States was a tough one: we lost the first set, which we could have won, and then the Americans played very well. I’m very happy with how it went against Japan.”

The key players Egonu, Danesi, Sylla, and Orro will be returning shortly: “Now all the other players will be returning, although some will do so gradually due to physical issues following the long rest period, which they aren’t used to. We need to take it easy to ensure we’re in top form for the third week and the finals.”