Italian volleyball star Monica De Gennaro has officially ended her nearly twenty-year national team career with an emotional farewell message.

Monica De Gennaro retires from the national team

Italian volleyball icon Monica De Gennaro has officially announced her retirement from the national team. After nearly twenty years representing Italy on the international stage, the legendary libero bid farewell with an emotional message shared through the Italian Volleyball Federation.

A heartfelt farewell after two decades of dedication

In her statement, De Gennaro reflected on her long journey in the national colors. “For almost twenty years I have given my soul, body, and heart to this jersey. I have always treated it with respect,” she said. The veteran libero explained that she had known for some time that this would be her final summer wearing the Italian jersey but chose to remain silent out of respect for her teammates and the federation.

Making room for a new generation

De Gennaro emphasized that the decision came from a desire to make space for younger talents. “Now it’s time to take a step back and leave room for new, strong, and ready players,” she said. “I will miss everything — traveling, training, the locker room laughter, even the disappointments — because all of it made us stronger.”

Italian Volleyball Federation’s tribute

The Italian Volleyball Federation expressed gratitude to De Gennaro with a message titled “Grazie Moki,” highlighting her extraordinary achievements: gold at the 2011 World Cup, medals from the 2018 and 2022 World Championships, 2019 and 2021 European Championships, and titles in the 2022, 2024, and 2025 Volleyball Nations League.

End of an era

Widely regarded as one of the best liberos in modern volleyball, De Gennaro leaves behind an unparalleled legacy. In her farewell message, she wrote, “From today, there will be a new fan in the stands, a new voice in front of the TV. But my heart will always be there — with you.”

Italian volleyball star Paola Egonu underlined the unifying power of sports during an appearance on Rai 1’s Porta a Porta. Speaking ahead of the broadcast, she said that recent sporting successes have contributed to Italy’s progress in combating racism.

“Together, with our differences, we can build a better world”

Egonu referred to major achievements in Italian sport, from the basketball EuroBasket to the Athletics World Championships, as signs of a changing society. “Sports teach us that we can live together with our differences. Together, we can create a better world,” she said.

A busy day at the Quirinale and Palazzo Chigi

Earlier in the day, Egonu and her teammates were received by President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale, alongside the men’s world champions. Later, they met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi. Mattarella praised the teams’ achievements, calling them “a source of inspiration for Italy’s youth.”

Velasco and De Giorgi on unity through sport

Women’s national team coach Julio Velasco said sports can play a key role in building a democratic culture. “Our national team reflects a new Italian society that thrives on diversity,” he explained. Men’s coach Ferdinando De Giorgi added, “This victory shows how strong Italy can be when united.”

Danesi and Anzani express gratitude

Captains Anna Danesi and Simone Anzani thanked President Mattarella for his constant support of Italian sports. Danesi said, “Volleyball unites people and inspires young generations.” Anzani added, “It wasn’t just us on the court — it was all of Italy.”

Meloni praises the volleyball champions

At Palazzo Chigi, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated the teams, offering them symbolic tricolor gifts. “You have represented our country with pride and brought our colors to the top of the world,” she said.

Sports as a vehicle for awareness

Egonu’s remarks once again highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports. The rise of Italian volleyball in recent years is not only a sporting triumph but also a symbol of social progress and unity.

VakıfBank and Fenerbahçe Medicana will face off in Ankara in the final of the Women’s AXA Sigorta Champions Cup. The winner will lift the trophy for the sixth time. The 2025 Women’s AXA Sigorta Champions Cup final will be played tomorrow at Ankara Sports Hall. VakıfBank and Fenerbahçe Medicana will compete for the season’s first trophy.

The most successful team in the cup will be determined

Last season’s Vodafone Sultanlar League champion VakıfBank and AXA Sigorta Cup Volleyball winner Fenerbahçe Medicana have each won the Women’s Champions Cup five times. The winner of this final will become the sole holder of the record for most titles in the tournament’s history.

The event is being held for the 16th time

First organized by the Turkish Volleyball Federation in 2009, the Women’s AXA Sigorta Champions Cup will crown its champion for the 16th time this year. In past editions, clubs such as Eczacıbaşı, VakıfBank, and Fenerbahçe have claimed the title and reached the pinnacle of Turkish volleyball.

When and where to watch the VakıfBank vs Fenerbahçe match in the AXA Sigorta Champions Cup?

In the 2025 Women’s AXA Sigorta Champions Cup final, VakıfBank and Fenerbahçe Medicana will meet on Tuesday, October 8, at 19:00 at Ankara Sports Hall. This match, which represents the first official trophy of the season organized by the Turkish Volleyball Federation, will be broadcast live on TRT Spor.

Final to be held at Ankara Sports Hall

The final match, to be played at Ankara Sports Hall, is expected to attract significant attention from volleyball fans. The Turkish Volleyball Federation announced that tickets for the match are sold out and the game will be broadcast live.

A battle for prestige in Turkish volleyball

The Women’s AXA Sigorta Champions Cup stands out as one of the most prestigious events in Turkish volleyball ahead of the new season. This match between the two teams is important both in terms of trophy contention and as an indicator of early-season form.