The world champions Italy are approaching the final stages of their preparation for EuroVolley 2026, and Alessandro Michieletto remains one of the biggest question marks surrounding Ferdinando De Giorgi’s squad.
The outside hitter has been working his way back after a prolonged absence from competitive action, and although his physical condition is reportedly excellent, he has yet to receive clearance to return to full competition.
The answer should come in the first days of September, when he is due to undergo a medical examination that De Giorgi described as decisive.
Speaking after Italy’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Germany in the opening match of the FIPAV Cup Men Elite — a marathon that ended 64:66, 25:22, 23:25, 25:22, 15:12 — the Italian coach offered an encouraging update on his star but made it clear that patience remains essential.
“Michieletto is doing well. However, he needs to get clearance after an examination he will undergo in the first days of September, which will be decisive,” Italy’s head coach explained.
There is certainly no lack of optimism within the Italian camp.
According to De Giorgi, Michieletto’s physical condition is better than ever, while his desire to return to the court is enormous. But neither his enthusiasm nor his progress will be allowed to dictate the timetable.
“Physically, he has never been so well and he has an immense desire. But we have to wait for this examination; we cannot rush the deadlines. He is with us, training as much as he is allowed to, and is potentially ready,” he added.
Michieletto has nevertheless been included in Italy’s 14-man squad for the FIPAV Cup Men Elite, an important indication of how much the staff would like to have him available. He was part of the group against Germany, but remained on the bench as an unused player rather than making his long-awaited return.
For the Italian staff, the next few days will therefore be about balancing preparation with caution. The Azzurri still have two demanding tests ahead of them: Cuba in Messina on this day, August 28 and Brazil on August 30.
They are the team’s final friendly matches before EuroVolley and will provide De Giorgi with valuable opportunities to assess his group under competitive pressure.
Michieletto’s involvement, however, will continue to depend on something that cannot be decided on the volleyball court.
Once the FIPAV Cup is over, Italy will spend another five days working in Florence, using the final stretch of preparation to polish the details of a campaign that will begin on September 10 in Naples. By then, the picture surrounding Michieletto should finally be much clearer.
For a team that has spent the last few years establishing itself at the very top of international volleyball, his availability could be an important piece of the puzzle. Michieletto is not simply another option in De Giorgi’s squad: he is one of the defining players of this Italian generation, and his return would add another formidable weapon to a team already carrying the expectations that come with being world champions.
But Italy will not gamble with his health.
The message from De Giorgi is therefore straightforward: Michieletto is progressing, he is training, he wants to play, and he may be ready. But “potentially ready” is not the same as medically cleared.
And with EuroVolley just around the corner, Italy is now waiting for the one verdict that could determine whether its star outside hitter will be on the court when the real battle begins.
Italy’s EuroVolley journey will begin on September 9 in one of the most spectacular settings of the entire tournament: the opening match against Sweden at Naples’ Piazza del Plebiscito. From there, the Azzurri will move north to Modena, where the rest of Pool A will be played at the legendary PalaPanini.
De Giorgi’s team will face Sweden, Czechia, Greece, Slovakia and Slovenia in the group stage, with the top four teams advancing to the Round of 16.
The Italian campaign will therefore combine the pressure of defending their status as world champions with the unique responsibility of playing at home. If they progress through the group stage, the next stop will be Turin for the knockout rounds, with the semifinals and medal matches awaiting in Milan.
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