VolleyBar31# : Monday June 29, 2026

If you wish to publish an Italian translation of this article, any of our other articles, or any part of them, please cite the original source. Plagiarism is illegal!

After the usual weekend break, and after VolleyBar reached its first major milestone so far with the publication of its 30th episode last Friday (we’d also like to proudly remind everyone that, although our idea has since been copied by our Italian friends—who have previously enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, publishing word-for-word Italian translations of our articles without crediting the original source—we were the very first to create a daily column bringing together all the biggest volleyball stories of the day!), we’re back with the first edition of the week!

First, let’s talk international volleyball.

Yesterday marked the end of Week 2 of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League, with Japan remaining the tournament’s only undefeated team and deservedly sitting at the top of the standings.
And we were there every step of the way, bringing you daily coverage from every venue: our team in Ljubljana with photos and articles, Danilo covering the action from Brazil to Orléans, and Ivan reporting from Gliwice, Poland. Although there won’t be any more photo galleries for this edition, we’ll also be on site for Week 3 and the Finals!

Meanwhile, in the European League, the Netherlands remained perfect by defeating Israel twice in the semifinals, both matches played in Doetinchem, where Joel Banks’ side dropped its first two sets of the tournament. In the other semifinal series, Finland won the first leg away in Denmark, while the return match is scheduled for July 1 in Nokia.
Speaking of plagiarism once again, this time someone published a word-for-word Italian translation of the official CEV press release. In our opinion, the very least they could have done was acknowledge the original source. Wouldn’t you agree?

The latest international volleyball news comes from Portugal, where the 2026 CEV U22 European Championship got underway today. At the time of writing, Italy and Israel had both claimed straight-set victories over Bulgaria and Ukraine, respectively, while later this evening Portugal will face Poland U22 and France will take on the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, yesterday Indonesia were crowned AVC Men’s Volleyball Cup champions after defeating South Korea in straight sets.

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In Italy, SuperLega newcomers Tinet Prata welcomed Russian opposite Kirill Klets, who arrives with an impressive résumé that includes two Russian league titles, a Russian Cup, a Russian Super Cup, and a standout season in Japan.

“I’ve always wanted to play in Italy. I love new challenges, and when Tinet made their offer, I didn’t have to think twice,” he said in the club’s official statement.

Itas Trentino, meanwhile, completed its roster by signing libero Riccardo Gollini. Turning 26 in just a few days, the Modena-born defender arrives after spending last season in Serie A2 with Taranto. He has signed a one-year contract and will serve as Gabriele Laurenzano’s backup in the backcourt.

“Riccardo is a physically different kind of libero compared to what we’re usually used to seeing in the SuperLega because he stands 194 centimeters tall and has an impressive athletic profile,” said Itas Trentino head coach Marcelo Méndez.
“He’s still young, but he has already spent several seasons in the SuperLega with Modena and is coming off a full season as a starter in Serie A2 with Taranto. That experience means he’ll be ready whenever we need him. I’m very happy to have him join the squad because I’m confident he’ll provide both quality and experience.”

Gollini will wear jersey No. 7, a number previously worn by only one other libero in Trentino Volley history: Salvatore Rossini, with whom Riccardo also shared two seasons in Modena.

Meanwhile, Vero Volley Monza confirmed Massimo Eccheli as head coach, while Cucine Lube Civitanova announced the signing of Czech middle blocker Antonín Klimeš.
Born in 2005 in Břeclav, in the Moravia region of the Czech Republic, he has signed a three-year contract after helping VK ČEZ Karlovarsko win the Czech Extraliga title.

“I’m truly happy to receive such an important opportunity,” he said.
“The idea of joining a club as successful as Lube is incredibly exciting. I can’t wait to begin this new adventure and meet the fans in Civitanova to fully experience everything this new chapter has to offer.”

In France, reigning champions Montpellier renewed setter Arthur Piazzeta, while Nice Volley Ball announced the signing of Ukrainian outside hitter Tymofii Poluian from Greece’s AONS Milon .

In Poland, Cuprum Stilon Gorzów announced the departure of middle blocker Marcin Kania after two seasons with the club.
He joined the team on August 31, 2024, and quickly established himself as a player fully committed to every training session and every match. Over the past two seasons, he represented Cuprum Stilon Gorzów as a middle blocker, making his contribution in the team’s fight for valuable league points.

“We would like to thank Marcin for the past two years with Cuprum Stilon Gorzów. We wish you good health, the very best of luck, and continued success in the next stage of your volleyball career. We’re confident we’ll be hearing about many more of your outstanding performances in the future.”

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