Italy: Robertlandy Simon and Guillermo Falasca open Allianz Milano’s 2026/27 Season!

At the CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) Hall in Milan, Allianz Powervolley Milano presented many of the new developments ahead of the 2026/27 season in front of executives, coaching staff, players, federation representatives, sponsors, media, and guests from the world of sport.
Speakers at the press conference included President Lucio Fusaro, General Manager and Sporting Director Fabio Lini, new Head Coach Guillermo Falasca, and new middle blocker Robertlandy Simon. The event was hosted by the club’s match announcer Emanuele Zambelli, who described the new season as: “A blank page yet to be written for Milanese volleyball.”

William Aimar, President of the Territorial Committee of Milan, Monza and Lecco, opened the press conference by saying he was pleased to welcome Powervolley to what he called “the home of grassroots sport,” adding that he hoped the occasion would serve as a good omen for the upcoming season.

Also in attendance was Italian Volleyball Federation Vice President Massimo Sala, who recalled Simon’s emotional farewell in Piacenza during the celebration of the club’s CEV Cup victory: “You gave so much to that city, and I am convinced you will do the same in Milan. Falasca faces no easy task, but I am sure he will do well. Every year this team surprises us with its results.”

Regional FIPAV President Piero Cezza then took the floor, stating: “We are proud of the arrival of Falasca and Simon.”

Following the opening greetings and thanks to institutions, partners, sponsors, journalists, and fans, President Lucio Fusaro reminded everyone that he is the only president of a Serie A club who also played in Serie A himself.
“I was a utility player, but I never won anything,” he joked, recalling the journey that, thanks to his friendship with Bruno Cattaneo — also present at the event — brought top-flight volleyball back to Milan.
We are starting this season with a trophy already in our hands, even though Falasca and Simon were not yet here. We will do great work both at the top level and at grassroots level, through our youth teams. We will continue our social initiatives with Volley4All, giving visibility to overlooked sports and athletes, as well as our ‘Training for Future’ project involving local teams. We will also continue our work with parish sports groups and CSI, with the Powervolley Cup carrying a special dedication to one of our supporters who is no longer with us,” he added emotionally.

The club also paid tribute to those who recently departed, beginning with coach Roberto Piazza after seven years with Powervolley.

Among the guests in attendance were several iconic figures from Milanese volleyball, including Claudio Galli, a long-time collaborator of Lucio Fusaro’s club, volleyball legend Andrea Zorzi, now a Sky Sport commentator, and former Milan captain Matteo Piano, currently a RaiSport commentator.

Claudia Giordani, CONI provincial delegate and former skiing champion, spoke of her excitement at having two such important role models in sport as Simon and Falasca.

General Manager Fabio Lini then outlined the decisions behind the new coaching staff and roster, highlighting the club’s commitment to continuity and its determination to maintain a high competitive standard while also focusing on the club’s long-term development.
He revealed that the club had pursued Simon for three years because he embodies the style of Milan, and explained that the Cuban star will play a key role both on the court and in the locker room. Speaking about Falasca, Lini said there was an immediate connection and praised his ability to work with teams such as Narbonne and Cisterna.

“I was also a volleyball player,” said Falasca, Milano’s new head coach, “and I am proud to have the opportunity to join this project and work with both young and experienced players. It’s true that everyone talks about the pressure of succeeding Roberto Piazza, but that also means inheriting a positive legacy and a body of work that I must build upon moving forward.
There is a top-level staff here to help us succeed and continue developing this project. We have a group that needs to be integrated. Our work will focus both on tactics and on the psychological aspect, and then the results will speak for themselves.
You will see a very aggressive team, starting with an aggressive serve, as with all my teams, even if that sometimes leads to more errors in that area of the game. We have several important players in this skill. In side-out play, all teams today operate at a very high level. The difference is made in the break phase.”

“I’m still moving out of my house in Piacenza — I thought I had accumulated fewer things over the years,” Simon joked, “I’m a player who has worked very hard, and I’m here to continue working hard with the team to get the very best out of every member of the group. The hardest part is being part of the group; the most important thing is mutual respect, and you have to lead by example. I believe strongly in respect. Young players sometimes have different ideas once training is over, like going out at night, but everyone must respect those who work hard. I have to defend a jersey and a city, and I train every day for that goal. I expect everyone to show the same dedication, including the younger players.
There is some pressure here, but I am convinced we will be a difficult team for everyone to face.”

The presentation concluded with a Q&A session involving journalists and guests in attendance, before the club’s final remarks ahead of what promises to be an exciting new season.