It’s official — Monica De Gennaro will no longer wear Italy’s blue jersey. The libero from Piano di Sorrento, born in 1987, closes an unforgettable chapter in volleyball after nearly twenty years of passion, victories, and emotions.

From her debut in 2006 to the Paris 2024 Olympic gold and the 2025 World Championship win, De Gennaro has been the heart of Italy’s defense — a true legend who turned effort into art. Her career shines with triumphs: World Cup 2011, EuroVolley 2021, VNL titles (2022, 2024, 2025), and countless medals that made her one of the most decorated liberos in volleyball history.

In her emotional farewell, she said:
“It’s time to say goodbye to the blue jersey — a jersey I’ve loved deeply and honored with all my heart for almost twenty years. I wanted to live every moment as if it were the first and the last. Now it’s right to make space for new talents. I’ll miss everything — the training, the laughter, the struggles, the emotions. Thank you, Italy. My heart will always be with you.”

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