VolleyBar4# : Thursday May 21, 2026

We’re already at the fourth episode of VolleyBar, and we’d also like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support you’ve been giving us and for the great success of this new daily column!

Cucine Lube Civitanova have renewed Piedmontese libero Francesco Bisotto, who will wear the jersey of the Italian runners-up until 2029.
Born in 2002, he played a decisive role in the 2024/25 playoffs when he had to replace the injured Fabio Balaso throughout the Scudetto semifinal series against Sir Safety Perugia. With Lube, he won the 2024 fifth-place playoffs and the 2025 Italian Cup.

“I want to thank everyone for their trust. I’m very happy because I work every day to become a key player for Lube, and I believe the foundations are there,” he said.
“Over the years, I’ve grown a lot both mentally and in handling pressure.
The playoff series as a starter against Perugia in the 2024/25 playoffs was one of the most important steps in my journey, just like the opportunities I had in the latest Scudetto Finals.
I want to improve even more in serve reception so I can lead the team during the most delicate moments.
Training every day with a champion like Fabio Balaso has been a great privilege: watching his dedication and work ethic has helped me grow and raise my level. I’m excited to continue my journey with a great club and extraordinary fans.”

Staying in Italy, Cuneo Volley have signed American outside hitter Ethan Champlin from the Bundesliga, after two seasons with Helios Grizzlys Giesen and SVG Lüneburg. Last season, he earned five MVP honors and ranked among the top scorers of the German playoffs.

In Serie A2, finalists ABBA Pineto have said goodbye to Matteo Zamagni, Flavio Morazzini, Karli Allik, Stefano Trillini, Antonino Suraci, and Leonardo Schianchi.

Back in the SuperLega, farewells also came for Vero Volley Monza, who parted ways with Jacopo Larizza.
And a preview: as already predicted, U.S. middle blocker Merrick McHenry, last two seasons with the jersey of Nice Volley Ball in France, is a news player of Gas Sales BluEnergy Piacenza.

In France, Paris Volley have said goodbye to Mathis Henno after his short but intense spell with the capital club. He was one of the standout performers in the playoffs, where Paris eliminated regular season winners Tours Volley-Ball — sparking plenty of controversy — before falling to Alterna SPVB Poitiers in the semifinals.

In Greece, after leaving Modena Volley, head coach Alberto Giuliani has officially been appointed by Olympiacos.

TJ DeFalco has officially returned to the United States men’s national team for the 2026 season. After taking a break from international play last summer, the Olympic bronze medalist is back to strengthen the outside hitter position for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League.
He rejoins a veteran-heavy core alongside key figures such as Micah Christenson and Matt Anderson.
Team USA is scheduled to play the VNL preliminary rounds in Ottawa, Orléans, and Chicago from July 15–19.

Poland men’s national team lost their first friendly match of the 2026 season against Serbia men’s national volleyball team in five sets
(25:23, 22:25, 26:28, 25:22, 14:16).

Aaron Russell was named Best Foreign Player in the PlusLiga at the league’s Grand Gala, after recording 486 points, 13.8 points per match (3.98 per set), 50% attack efficiency (418/831), 41% positive receptions, 38 aces, 30 blocks, and 141 digs.
Michał Winiarski was named Best Coach of the PlusLiga, while Mateusz Bieniek was awarded PlusLiga Player of the Season with 353 points, 10.09 points per match (2.8 per set), 61% attack efficiency (246/401), 53 aces, 54 blocks, and 69 digs.

Also in Poland, one of KS Norwid Częstochowa’s best players, Patrik Indra, is leaving the club after two seasons.

Meanwhile, in France again, Earvin Ngapeth is the new captain of Tours Volley-Ball.
Presented on Thursday morning during a press conference at City Hall, the two-time Olympic champion signed a two-year contract with French powerhouse. He will take over the captaincy role and keep the number 9 jersey, the same one he wears with the French national team.

See you tomorrow for the final appointment of the week.
VolleyBar returns on Monday, as always at 8:00 PM!

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