VolleyBar20# : Friday June 12, 2026

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Before the usual weekend break (VolleyBar will return on Monday at 8 PM), today we begin by talking about Italy and the SuperLega. Allianz Milano have confirmed middle blocker Gabriele Di Martino, while their neighbours at Vero Volley Monza have signed outside hitter Jacopo Massari, who spent the last two seasons in Modena.

Speaking of Modena, Sil Meijs is returning to the club, but this time as an opposite hitter.

The Dutchman, born in 2002, was used as a setter during the 2024–25 season. After a year in Belgium with VC Greenyard Maaseik, where he spent the entire campaign in his new role, he returns having been named both Best Opposite and Top Scorer of the league.

“We’re very happy to welcome Sil back into our group and to be able to count on him to complete our opposite hitters’ department ahead of next season. We had mapped out a clear development path with him, deciding to send him out on loan so that he could gain experience and grow in a new role. That decision proved to be extremely positive. Sil returns after an outstanding season, crowned by winning the Belgian championship,” said sporting director Alberto Casadei.

“During the season he had the opportunity to compete both in the domestic league and in European competitions, standing out with performances of a very high level. We followed his progress closely and appreciated his constant growth, both technically and personally. For this reason, we are convinced that he can continue his development in Modena, putting his qualities at the service of the team and being ready whenever he is needed. With multiple competitions to play, I’m certain he will find his space and that we will have the opportunity to grow together.”

Not good news for Piacenza, as Turkish outside hitter Efe Mandıracı’s future appears to lie in Turkey, more specifically with Galatasaray, meaning he is set to leave Gas Sales Bluenergy after two seasons in the SuperLega.

According to reports that have not been verified in Turkey, the Istanbul club had little difficulty convincing the player with a two-year contract worth €1.25 million per season. However, the figure mentioned refers to the outside hitter’s salary and not to the compensation Galatasaray will have to pay the Italian club, given that Mandıracı was still under contract until 2028.

Meanwhile, Cucine Lube Civitanova have extended the contract of star scorer Aleksandar Nikolov until 2029.

“I would like to thank owner Fabio Giulianelli, the management and the staff for their trust, as well as my teammates for their constant support. I play in a group that is always competing at the highest level, but I’m convinced that we can achieve even more. We are only one step away from taking that final leap.

“I feel like a leader at Lube, but on an individual level I still need to take another step forward. Scoring a lot of points is important, but I feel I need to have a greater impact off the court as well. I want to become a reference point in the locker room.

“Lube is the perfect club for me because it shares my ambitions and has the ability to bring out the best in its athletes. I can still grow here. When I look around, I don’t see a better environment. Our fans have always stood by us, and I want to repay their affection by giving everything I have for this jersey. We’ve often played spectacular volleyball, but we’ll work to become more efficient and consistent. It would be wrong to dwell on regrets over the titles we lost in the finals, because reaching the final stages of competitions is never a given, and living through those experiences is essential if you want to improve. I still have many years of volleyball ahead of me, and the thought of feeding off the energy of the Predators, with their chants and wonderful tributes, makes me want to step onto the court even now. Has my life changed after the World Championship Final? I can’t deny it — I feel different too, but that’s part of human nature. I’ve been overwhelmed by a wave of affection and emotion. The important thing is never to neglect the value of hard work and to keep pursuing victories without losing humility. On and off the court, there’s always something new to learn,” he said.

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In Poland, Bartłomiej Kluth will stay to Czarni Radom.
The experienced opposite hitter, who has played in the PlusLiga as well as in Italy, France and Israel, will once again represent the club’s colors.
Even though he only joined the team in October during the 2025–26 season, he put up outstanding numbers:
• 25 matches and 104 sets
• 452 points scored
• 380 attack points
• 50 block points
• 22 service aces
• 126 digs
• 5 MVP awards

Meanwhile, setter and captain Marcin Janusz will stay to Asseco Resovia Rzeszów for another season.

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In France, the 22-year-old middle blocker Etan Jeanlys, trained at the National Volleyball Center before joining Montpellier, where he had been playing since 2024, is a new player of Saint Nazaire, while Albania’s outside hitter Redi Bakiri joins Toulouse.
A new face also for Poitiers, who welcome young Canadian setter Mason Greves.

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And finally, the 2026 Volleyball Nations League that continued today in China, Brazil, and Canada.
Don’t forget to check out our complete calendar featuring daily recaps of every match, with some of us reporting directly from courts around the world!
For the opening week, Danilo will be in Brazil and Ivan in China!

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