Slovenia’s men’s volleyball team is heading into a fresh chapter under the leadership of new head coach Fabio Soli. The Italian expert, who’s also guiding powerhouse Itas Trentino this season, released a 23-player extended roster for the upcoming Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025—and it’s a compelling mix of experience and youthful energy.
Taking the reins from Romanian coach Gheorghe Cretu, who led the team from 2022 to 2024, Soli has crafted a squad that blends tried-and-true veterans with exciting domestic talents from the Sportklub First Volleyball League.
Let’s take a look at who made the list:
🇸🇮 Slovenia Men’s National Team Roster for VNL 2025
Setters:
- Dejan Vinčić (Alpacem Kanal)
- Nejc Najdič (ACH Volley Ljubljana)
- Gregor Pernuš (SWD Powervolleys Düren, Germany)
- Uroš Planinšič (Lycurgus Volleyball, Netherlands)
Opposites:
- Tonček Štern (Ziraat Bankasi, Turkey)
- Jaka Sešek (OK i-Vent Maribor)
- Nik Mujanović (Stade Poitevin, France)
Middle Blockers:
- Jan Kozamernik (Itas Trentino, Italy)
- Jošt Kržič (ACH Volley Ljubljana)
- Sašo Štalekar (ACH Volley Ljubljana)
- Miha Fink (OK i-Vent Maribor)
- Janž Janez Kržič (ACH Volley Ljubljana)
Liberos:
- Žiga Kumer (ACH Volley Ljubljana)
- Grega Okroglič (Alpacem Kanal)
- Urban Toman (OK i-Vent Maribor)
Outside Hitters:
- Tine Urnaut (Wolfdogs Nagoya, Japan)
- Matej Kök (ACH Volley Ljubljana)
- Rok Možič (Rana Verona, Italy)
- Žiga Štern (SKRA Belchatow, Poland)
- Klemen Šen (ACH Volley Ljubljana)
- Luka Marovt (ACH Volley Ljubljana)
- Rok Bračko (Paris Volley, France)
- Vid Ranc (Alpacem Kanal)
This lineup includes stalwarts like Tine Urnaut, Rok Možič, and Tonček Štern, alongside rising stars from the domestic scene such as Nejc Najdič, Jaka Sešek, and Luka Marovt. The selection shows Soli’s intent to maintain a competitive edge while preparing for the future.
The road ahead isn’t easy. Slovenia kicks off their VNL 2025 journey in Rio de Janeiro (June 11–15), facing teams like Brazil, USA, Cuba, Iran, and Ukraine. Then, it’s on to Burgas, Bulgaria, and finally Ljubljana, where home fans will get to cheer on the team between July 16–22 as they take on Italy, Serbia, and Canada.