Italy’s Elite: A Deep Dive into the Lega Femminile Serie A1 2025/26 Kick-Off

As autumn leaves begin their descent, a different kind of intensity rises across Italy. The Lega Femminile Serie A1 Tigotà, widely acclaimed as the premier women`s volleyball league globally, is poised to launch its 81st season on October 6th. This isn`t just another volleyball season; it`s a seven-month saga of power, precision, and passion, featuring an extraordinary confluence of talent that is, quite frankly, unparalleled.

Seven-time defending champions Conegliano, an intimidating force, enter the season with their core roster intact, making them the undeniable favorites. (Photo: LVF)

This edition of the tournament is particularly significant, boasting the presence of 11 of the 13 players who secured Italy`s inaugural Olympic gold last year, alongside 12 of the 14 players who clinched their second World Championship title just last month. These national heroes are distributed across seven different teams, ensuring that every match is a potential showcase of Olympic and World Champion pedigree. Add to this mix a plethora of international stars, and you have a recipe for truly spectacular volleyball.

The Unyielding Reign: Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano

When discussing the Lega Femminile, it`s impossible not to begin with Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano. They are, to put it mildly, the undisputed monarchs. Having claimed their eighth overall and an astonishing seventh-straight Italian title last season, as part of a perfect campaign that saw them dominate every tournament they entered, Conegliano stands as a monument to consistency and excellence. Their core roster remains inviolate: the orchestrating brilliance of Polish setter Joanna Wołosz, the devastating power of Swedish opposite Isabelle Haak, the relentless energy of Brazilian outside hitter Gabriela `Gabi` Guimarães, the technical mastery of Chinese outside hitter Zhu Ting, the formidable middle-blocking trio of Marina Lubian, Sarah Fahr, and Cristina Chirichella, and the defensive wizardry of libero Monica De Gennaro. Under the continued guidance of head coach Daniele Santarelli, Conegliano isn`t just looking to win; they`re looking to redefine dominance. While other teams shuffle their decks, Conegliano merely fine-tunes theirs, bringing in American setter Jenna Ewert and Dutch and Slovenian outside hitters Nika Daalderop and Fatoumatta Sillah to maintain their formidable depth. The question isn`t whether Conegliano will be strong, but rather, who, if anyone, can genuinely challenge their seemingly unshakeable throne?

The Aspirants: Teams with Playoff Ambitions

Below Conegliano, a fierce battle for supremacy unfolds. Several teams have made calculated moves, aiming to climb the standings and potentially, just potentially, disrupt the established order.

Bergamo: The Resurgent Giants

A club with a storied history, Bergamo boasts eight Italian League titles from past eras. After finishing eighth last season and falling to Conegliano in the quarterfinals, they`ve undergone significant retooling. Retaining key international talents like Czech outside hitter Michaela Mlejnková, Cuban outside hitter Ailama Cesé, and German middle blocker Monique Strubbe, they’ve added significant firepower. The arrival of 2025 VNL champion setter Chidera Eze promises dynamic playmaking, while high-scoring German opposite Emilia Weske adds offensive punch. Coached by Carlo Parisi, Bergamo is clearly signaling an intent to reclaim some of their former glory.

Eurotek Laica UYBA Busto Arsizio: Seeking Past Glories

Busto Arsizio, champions in 2011-2012, finished sixth last season after a playoff exit against Scandicci. Under head coach Enrico Barbolini, their offseason strategy focused on a blend of retention and intriguing acquisitions. They`ve kept reliable players like setter Jennifer Boldini, opposite Josephina Obossa, and Belgian middle blocker Silke Van Avermaet. Their transfer market activity saw the return of experienced Italian talents Valentina Diouf (opposite) and Alessia Gennari (outside hitter), alongside Japanese national team setter Nanami Seki. The additions of Egyptian Mariam Metwally and Mexican Melanie Parra in the outside hitter position bring a fresh international flair. Busto Arsizio is clearly aiming for a deeper playoff run.

Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri `76: A New Chapter

Chieri `76 had a solid fifth-place finish last season, pushing Novara to a dramatic three-leg quarterfinal. Their foundation is strong, with world champion outside hitter Stella Nervini, Olympic champion libero Ilaria Spirito, Dutch setter Sarah Van Aalen, and Italian national team middle blocker Anna Gray all returning. However, a significant shift comes with new coach Nicola Negro, fresh from six successful seasons in Brazil. Chieri’s aggressive transfer strategy includes Dutch opposite Elles Dambrink, Hungarian opposite Anett Németh, Italian national team outside hitter Alice Degradi, French outside hitter Halimatou Bah, and German middle blocker Anastasia Cekulaev. This wholesale change suggests a team ready to forge a new identity and challenge the top tier.

The Challengers & Builders: Mid-Table Ambitions

Beyond the immediate contenders, other teams are navigating their own paths, some rebuilding, others fighting for stability and a chance at the playoffs.

Cuneo Granda Volley: A Grand Rehaul

After an inconsistent campaign that saw them finish 11th, missing the playoffs but avoiding relegation, Cuneo Granda Volley opted for a massive squad overhaul. With only setter Noemi Signorile, Colombian outside hitter María Margarita Martínez, and middle blocker Agnese Cecconello remaining under coach François Salvagni, the team is virtually new. Notable additions include Spanish outside hitter Jessica Rivero Marín, Dutch outside hitter Nova Marring, American middle blocker Jaelyn Keene, and libero Anna Bardaro. This wholesale transformation indicates a clear intention to move up the table and secure a playoff spot, rather than merely avoiding the drop.

Il Bisonte Firenze: The Fight for Flight

Firenze spent much of last season battling relegation, ultimately securing 12th place. While head coach Federico Chiavegatti remains, their squad has also seen a significant shake-up, retaining only setter Beatrice Agrifoglio and middle blocker Nausica Acciarri. Their recruitment focused on experienced international and domestic talent, with Serbian opposite Vanja Bukilić, Dutch outside hitter Jolien Knollema, Italian outside hitter Francesca Villani, and Serbian middle blocker Ana Malešević leading the charge. Firenze’s objective is clear: to establish themselves firmly in the top flight and avoid the nail-biting finishes of previous seasons.

The Newcomers: CBF Balducci HR Macerata

Making their return to the elite for only the second time, CBF Balducci HR Macerata comes into Serie A1 after finishing second in the Italian second division. Their previous stint in 2022-2023 saw them finish 14th, making this a journey of redemption. Under head coach Valerio Lionetti, key figures like setter Asia Bonelli, opposite Clara Decortes, middle blocker Alessia Mazzon, and libero Giulia Bresciani will lead the charge. They`ve bolstered their ranks with Argentine national team middle blocker Bianca Farriol, American middle blocker Emma Clothier, and Finnish outside hitter Suvi Kokkonen. Macerata faces the formidable challenge of adapting to the top tier, but their promotion drive suggests they have the spirit to compete.

The Stage is Set: A Season of Unrivaled Excitement

With the regular season running until February 21st, leading into a playoff format of best-of-three quarterfinals and best-of-five semifinals and Finals, the Lega Femminile Serie A1 Tigotà promises seven months of gripping volleyball. From Conegliano’s relentless pursuit of perfection to the ambitious challengers and the tenacious newcomers, every spike, block, and dig will contribute to a narrative rich with athletic prowess and strategic brilliance. This season isn`t merely a competition; it`s a celebration of women`s volleyball at its highest caliber, a true testament to Italy`s standing as the sport`s golden standard.