Savino Del Bene Scandicci completed a stunning comeback against Novara, but Imoco Conegliano stayed unbeaten and maintained the league lead.

In the seventh round of the Italian Women’s Volleyball A1 League, Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano continued its perfect start to the season, keeping the first place in the standings. Savino Del Bene Scandicci, meanwhile, produced an incredible 3–2 comeback win away at Igor Gorgonzola Novara after trailing by two sets, remaining in second place just one point behind Conegliano.

Conegliano now leads with 20 points, followed by Scandicci on 19. The postponed Week 4 match between Conegliano and Milano, scheduled for Wednesday at 20:30, will be decisive for the top of the table.

Novara dominated the first two sets 25–22 and 25–19, but Scandicci turned the match around thanks to coach Gaspari’s tactical changes and a superb performance from Antropova, who scored 26 points and was named MVP. Novara, strong in the first sets with blocking and serving, failed to register a single block in the last two sets.

In other matches, Vero Volley Milano swept Monviso 3–0 at home, with Egonu scoring 19 points and Danesi earning MVP honors. Chieri defeated Vallefoglia 3–1 to solidify fifth place, while Macerata took three key points by beating Busto Arsizio 3–1. Firenze celebrated its first 3-point win of the season with a straight-set victory over Perugia, and San Giovanni in Marignano claimed its first win of the campaign by sweeping Cuneo.

After seven rounds, the standings are as follows: Conegliano 20, Scandicci 19, Milano 16, Novara 15, Chieri 14 points. At the bottom, San Giovanni in Marignano sits last with 3 points.

The Australian government has denied a visa to Dutch volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was convicted of child abuse, blocking his entry into the country.

The Australian government has denied entry to Dutch volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was previously convicted of child abuse. Van de Velde’s visa application to participate in the upcoming Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide was rejected, the government confirmed through the Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

Government cites public safety concerns

According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the government’s primary duty is to ensure public safety. “We will do everything in our power to make Australians feel safe,” Burke said. The decision was directly linked to Van de Velde’s prior conviction for child abuse.

Van de Velde says he respects the decision

In a written statement, Van de Velde said he was aware that the Australian government could take such a decision and expressed his respect for it. The Dutch athlete added that while he has continued his professional career, his past offense remains a lasting consequence in his life.

Player served prison sentence in 2016 case

Court records show that Steven van de Velde admitted in 2016 to abusing a child he met through social media. He was sentenced to four years in prison but was released after serving 12 months. Following his release, he returned to professional volleyball in 2018 and represented the Netherlands in international competitions.

Tournament preparations continue in Adelaide

Preparations for the Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide, South Australia, are ongoing. Tournament organizers stated their full support for the government’s decision, emphasizing that player and spectator safety remains a top priority for the event.

Scandicci and Milano claim dominant away wins in Serie A1 Volleyball round 5, while Pinerolo edges Firenze in a thrilling five-set battle.

Savino Del Bene Scandicci continued their unbeaten run in the Serie A1 Volleyball round 5 by sweeping San Giovanni in Marignano 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-15).
Despite missing star opposite Ekaterina Antropova, Scandicci’s balanced offense shone through as Bosetti and Ruddins each contributed 14 points. Setter Bechis, replacing Ognjenovic, earned MVP honors for orchestrating the team’s fast-paced attack.
Scandicci’s defense was equally solid, with Weitzel and Graziani combining for 8 team blocks. The victory puts Scandicci level with Conegliano at the top of the standings with 14 points, while San Giovanni remains winless.

Milano sweep Macerata behind unstoppable Egonu

Reigning Supercup champions Vero Volley Milano celebrated in front of their home fans with a convincing 3-0 win (25-21, 29-27, 25-16) against CBF Balducci Macerata.
Paola Egonu led the charge with a stunning 62% attack efficiency, tallying 19 points. Middle blocker Kurtagic, named MVP, added 10 points with 3 key blocks.
Despite Macerata’s spirited effort — including 15 points from Decortes — their reception and blocking struggled to contain Milano’s offensive rhythm. Milano move to 13 points and remain firmly in the top group.

Pinerolo edge Firenze in five-set thriller

Unionvolley Pinerolo earned a crucial away win, defeating Firenze 3-2 (25-22, 24-26, 22-25, 25-18, 15-12) at the Pala Big Mat.
In a tightly contested match, Pinerolo’s Malual and Davyskiba both scored 18 points, while middle blocker Dodson contributed 14 with 3 blocks and 1 ace, earning MVP honors.
Firenze’s Villani led her side with 17 points, supported by Tanase’s strong reception performance (63%). The victory pushes Pinerolo to 5 points, closing in on mid-table positions.

Busto Arsizio return to winning ways

UYBA Busto Arsizio secured a vital 3-0 home win (25-21, 25-23, 25-12) against Megabox Vallefoglia, climbing to 6 points in the table.
Obossa dominated the match with 19 points, supported by Eckl’s 13 and three service aces. The hosts showed greater composure in key moments, particularly in the third set where they allowed only 12 points.
Vallefoglia struggled offensively, with Bici limited to 12 points and Omoruyi to 9, as the team’s efficiency dropped sharply in the final set.

League outlook after round 5

After the fifth round, Conegliano and Scandicci share the top spot with 14 points, followed by Milano (13) and Novara (12).
At the bottom, San Giovanni and Macerata are still searching for their first victories. The next round will feature key clashes that could reshape the early standings.