VolleyBar56# : Monday August 3, 2026

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Welcome to the first weekly edition of VolleyBar, where today’s main headline comes from Italy, as Rana Verona announced the signing of Norwegian opposite Anders Mol, completing their roster for the 2026/2027 season.
Born in 1997 in Stord, Norway, he is one of the greatest stars in the history of international beach volleyball. Throughout his career, he has achieved extraordinary success, winning the Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020 and the bronze medal at Paris 2024, while also becoming World Champion in Rome in 2022. His impressive list of achievements also includes four consecutive European titles, won in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, as well as a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships in Hamburg.

Speaking in the club’s official announcement, Anders Mol said:
“I chose Rana Verona because I found a club with clear ideas and great ambitions. For me, this is an exciting opportunity in a completely new environment, one that will allow me to continue challenging myself at the highest level. I am grateful to the club, the coaching staff and my teammates for deciding to start this journey together with me. I cannot wait to learn something new every day and give everything I have for this team. It is a different kind of challenge, and I am looking forward to getting started.”

Sporting director Adi Lami commented:
“We complete the roster for next season with the arrival of Anders, an extraordinary champion who is used to competing and winning at the highest international level. He is an athlete who will bring experience and a world-class mentality to our team. We are convinced that his contribution will be valuable both from a technical perspective and within the locker room.”

Also in Italy, Cucine Lube Civitanova have officially secured the future of libero Fabio Balaso, extending his contract until 2029. The renewal comes ahead of his ninth season with the club in Civitanova Marche, after his previous four-year deal was set to expire in 2027.

“I am proud and honoured to continue my story wearing the Cucine Lube Civitanova jersey,” he said.
“The trust that the club continues to place in me was decisive in this renewal. Knowing that Lube still believes in my abilities represents a great motivation to pursue new successes and makes me truly happy. When I received the proposal, it took me very little time to make my decision: I am deeply connected to the club, this jersey and the Biancorossi fans.”

The official dates for the start of training camps and first practices of the 2026/27 Credem Banca SuperLega clubs have been announced:
• Allianz Milano – 18 August
• Cisterna Volley – 19 August
• Cucine Lube Civitanova – 24 August
• Cuneo Volley – 24 August
• Gas Sales BluEnergy Piacenza – 24 August
• Itas Trentino – 24 August
• Pallavolo Padova – 24 August
• Rana Verona – 10 August
• Sir Susa Scai Perugia – 12 August
• Volley Prata – 24 August
• Valsa Group Modena – 21 August
• Vero Volley Monza – 24 August

In France, Cannes Volley are proud to announce the arrival of Robin Neraudau.
The French setter joins Cannes bringing solid experience from the French championship, having previously played for Ajaccio, Paris Volley, Nantes and Plessis Robinson.

In Poland, KS Norwid Częstochowa president Łukasz Żygadło is celebrating his birthday today.
On this special occasion, the club expressed its warmest wishes:
“We wish you good health, happiness, endless energy to achieve further ambitious goals, and many successes both professionally and personally.
May every day bring satisfaction from your work for our club, and may all the decisions you make lead to further sporting triumphs and the continued development of Norwid Częstochowa.”

On the international stage, with the 2026 Volleyball Nations League officially concluded yesterday with Poland claiming a magnificent gold medal after a thrilling tie-break victory over the United States, and Slovenia securing a historic bronze, Japan captain Yuki Ishikawa reflected on his team’s VNL 2026 campaign.
Following Japan’s journey in the Volleyball Nations League 2026, he shared his thoughts on the team’s performance and his own physical condition.
“I caused problems for the team. I gave everything I could, but I wasn’t able to perform at my best. Against the United States, I had recovered a little more, but because I wasn’t able to train enough, there were still many difficult aspects. Once I stepped onto the court, however, I felt I had to give everything I could.
We came through the preliminary round in good shape and, of course, we were aiming for the gold medal if we had the opportunity. That is why it is very disappointing that we were not able to win it.
Watching the Final Round, there were moments when the United States’ opposite completely changed the momentum of the match with his serve, and we experienced that ourselves. This Final Round reminded me once again how crucial serving and serve receive are from a technical point of view.
At the Asian Championships, we must win with conviction and earn Olympic qualification.”

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