Italy head coach Julio Velasco has officially unveiled the 30-player roster for the 2026 Women’s Volleyball Nations League, confirming a mix of experienced stars and rising young talent for the summer international campaign.
The squad announcement comes ahead of Italy’s VNL opener in Brasilia, where the reigning European powerhouse will begin its tournament against Bulgaria on June 3.
Leading the roster are key names including Paola Egonu, Anna Danesi, Alessia Orro, and Myriam Sylla.
Italy Women’s 2026 VNL Roster
Setters
Carlotta Cambi, Alessia Orro, Chidera Blessing Eze, Asia Bonelli, Francesca Scola.
Liberos
Ilaria Spirito, Eleonora Fersino, Ilenia Moro, Federica Pelloni.
Opposites
Merit Adigwe, Paola Egonu, Josephine Obossa, Giorgia Frosini, Binto Diop.
Outside Hitters
Alice Tanase, Stella Nervini, Myriam Sylla, Loveth Omoruyi, Gaia Giovannini, Ekaterina Antropova, Alessia Bolzonetti, Alice Nardo.
Middle Blockers
Denise Meli, Dalila Marchesini, Linda Nwakalor, Sarah Luisa Fahr, Anna Danesi, Linda Manfredini, Katja Eckl, Yasmina Akrari.
Italy’s VNL 2026 Schedule
Week 1 – Brasilia, Brazil
- June 3: Italy vs Bulgaria
- June 6: Italy vs Netherlands
- June 6: Italy vs Türkiye
- June 7: Italy vs Brazil
Week 2 – Manila, Philippines
- June 17: Italy vs Czech Republic
- June 18: Italy vs Serbia
- June 20: Italy vs United States
- June 21: Italy vs Japan
Week 3 – Hong Kong, China
- July 8: Italy vs Ukraine
- July 10: Italy vs Belgium
- July 11: Italy vs Canada
- July 12: Italy vs China
Finals
July 22–26 in Macau, China.
Italy is expected to be among the favorites for the 2026 VNL title as Velasco continues building a squad capable of competing for major international honors.
