VNL 2025 Targets Hong Kong: Antropova, Orro, and Sylla Remain Sidelined
Week 2 of the Volleyball Nations League for women is upon us, as the Italian volleyball squad prepares to take the court in Hong Kong from June 18 to 22. This Pool 5 showdown takes place in the high-tech Kai Tak Arena, pitting Italy, China, Japan, Bulgaria, Thailand, and the Czech Republic against one another. The Italians, coached by Julio Velasco, sit second in the overall standings, trailing Japan. The team aims to rack up more victories and secure a spot in the Finals.
Kick-off for Italy starts on Wednesday, June 18, at 7:30 AM Italian time, against Bulgaria. The following day, at 11:30 AM Italian time, Italy faces Thailand, and on June 20, a 2:30 PM Italian time rematch of the 2024 VNL final between Italy and Japan will take place. After a day of rest, the Olympic champions will play the host team, China, on June 22 at 2:00 PM Italian time.
Compared to the Rio de Janeiro pool, Velasco has made some adjustments to the list of 14 players making the journey to Hong Kong. Ekaterina Antropova, Myriam Sylla, and Alessia Orro will remain in Italy to work with the National B team at the Centro Pavesi.
The National B Team will assemble on Monday, June 16, under the guidance of coach Carlo Parisi. The selected players for a week of training at the Centro Pavesi in Milan (until Friday, June 20) are: Anna Adelusi, Martina Armini, Martina Bracchi, Veronica Costantini, Katja Eckl, Giorgia Frosini, Beatrice Gardini, Rachele Morello, Matilde Munarini, Alice Nardo, Alice Tanase, Sofia Valoppi, Kate Antropova (until Thursday, June 19), Alessia Orro (until Thursday, June 19), and Myriam Sylla (until Thursday, June 19).
The 14 Italian players called up for Hong Kong:
Setters:- Carlotta Cambi- Chidera Blessing Eze
Opposites:- Paola Egonu- Adu Malual
Middle Blockers:- Benedetta Sartori- Anna Danesi (C)- Linda Nwakalor- Sarah Fahr
Outside Hitters:- Alice Degradi- Stella Nervini- Loveth Omoruyi- Gaia Giovannini
Liberos:- Monica De Gennaro- Eleonora Fersino
Staff:- Head Coach: Julio Velasco- Assistant Coach: Massimo Barbolini- Assistant Coach: Juan Cichello- Athletic Trainer: Pietro Muneratti- Scout: Massimiliano Taglioli- Team Doctor: Emanuela Longa- Physiotherapists: Francesco Bettalico, Maira Di Vagno- Team Manager: Marcello Capucchio
The Italian women's team calendar in Hong Kong:- June 18: Italy-Bulgaria at 7:30 AM- June 19: Italy-Thailand at 11:30 AM- June 20: Italy-Japan at 2:30 PM- June 22: Italy-China at 2:00 PM
For those who want to catch the action on television, all Italian team matches in the VNL will be broadcast on the global platform DAZN, which holds the event rights. Live streaming of Volleyball Nations League matches is available on VBTV (subscribe.volleyballworld.tv).
The National B Team commences assembly on Monday, June 16, under the guidance of coach Carlo Parisi, while the Italian women's team prepares to engage in sports competing in the Volleyball Nations League in Hong Kong. The 14 Italian players called up for the event include Setters Carlotta Cambi and Chidera Blessing Eze, among others, aiming to secure a spot in the Finals.
