Itas Trentino locks down its Italian core: also Michieletto and Sbertoli stay until 2029

After extending Gabriele Laurenzano’s contract earlier this week, the Italian powerhous confirmed Riccardo Sbertoli and Alessandro Michieletto will also remain in Trento through 2029, strengthening the foundations of a team built around home-grown talent, continuity and ambition.

Trentino Volley has made its intentions clear.
In the space of four days, the club has secured the futures of three key Italian internationals, with Gabriele Laurenzano, Riccardo Sbertoli and Alessandro Michieletto all committing to remain in Trento until 2029.
The announcements, made between October 6 and 9, represent more than three contract extensions: they underline the club’s determination to preserve the core of its project and continue building around players who have become central to its identity.

Laurenzano was the first to confirm his future, followed by captain Sbertoli on October 8. Michieletto completed the trio on Friday, October 9, with the outside hitter’s renewal bringing particular significance to the announcement. One of the most recognisable players in international volleyball, he is also a product of Trentino Volley’s youth system, having progressed from the club’s junior teams to the first team and ultimately to the top of the world game.

“Trentino Volley is my home, and whenever I am not wearing this jersey or I am away from the BTS Arena for a while, I miss it,” Michieletto said. “I started coming to this arena when I was very little. First I was a fan, then a youth-team player, and later I fulfilled the dream of wearing the first-team jersey, always trying to proudly uphold the great sporting tradition of this club. Trentino Volley is much more than a volleyball club to me; it is a family where you always feel good. I am delighted to continue defending these colours.”

Born in Desenzano del Garda in December 2001, Michieletto has followed a remarkable path with Trentino Volley. He made his first-team debut in February 2019 and has since become one of the leading figures in Italian volleyball. His achievements include the 2024 CEV Champions League title, Italian league championships in 2023 and 2025, and the MVP award at the 2025 World Championship, where Italy claimed the gold medal. His decision to stay gives Trento continuity with a player whose importance extends well beyond his attacking contribution.

Club president Marcello Poli emphasised the significance of Michieletto’s journey and the relationship that has developed over the years. “Every time we see Alessandro take the court, we feel particularly proud, not only because we have managed to launch the world’s best player, but also because we have allowed him to pursue his dreams as an athlete while continuing to wear our jersey,” Poli said. “Michieletto has been one of us since he was a child. He watched Trentino Volley win everything and has played his part in the new cycle that has brought us so much satisfaction in recent years. I believe any club in the world would want him in its ranks, but in his eyes, no club in the world can compare with Trento. We are continuing this wonderful story together, and it belongs not only to us, but to the whole city of Trento and the entire Trentino region.”

Sbertoli’s renewal is equally important, particularly in terms of leadership and stability on court. The setter joined Trentino Volley in 2021 after his time with Milan and has developed into the team’s captain, receiving the armband in 2024. He has already helped the club win two Italian championships and the 2024 Champions League, while his role in organising the team makes him one of the central figures in the squad’s structure. His new agreement extends a partnership that has already produced 235 appearances for the club.

“I am delighted to continue my story with a club and a city that have literally adopted me,” he said. “When I chose to come here, I knew it would be a fundamental step in my career, but I could never have imagined that it would be so beautiful and intense. Extending my contract was therefore the right decision and the one that makes me happiest. It is a source of pride and a responsibility to wear this jersey and be the team’s captain.”

Poli also underlined how naturally the setter has grown into his role. “Sbertoli is an extraordinary young man even before being a great setter, and I could not imagine a different player for the future of this team. This is, in fact, the second contract extension we have signed with him, following the one in 2024. We are happy to continue having an athlete and captain of his calibre. In just a few years, he has become a point of reference for everyone: the club, the coaching staff, the team and the fans. It is fair to say that we are in safe hands.”

Taken together, the three renewals tell a clear story about Trentino Volley’s priorities. Michieletto embodies the club’s ability to develop exceptional talent, Sbertoli provides leadership and continuity in the setter position, and Laurenzano represents the successful progression of a young player entrusted with a major role early in his career. All three are Italian internationals, all three have already contributed to major trophies, and all three will remain in Trento through 2029.

After a difficult 2025/26 campaign, the club has also spoken openly about its desire to respond on court. Keeping such a significant part of its core together offers a stable foundation for that challenge. Rather than relying solely on new arrivals, Trentino Volley is choosing to build on relationships and a sporting identity developed over several seasons. The message is straightforward: the future of the club will continue to be shaped by players who know what it means to wear its colours — and who have chosen to keep doing so.

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