Julio Velasco does not mince words and, on the eve of the Volleyball Nations League (4 June – 27 July), expresses all his disappointment over several absences from the women’s national team. During the presentation of the Azzurri season in Milan, the head coach revealed the squad, highlighting the voluntary absence of key players such as Pietrini, Chirichella, Bonifacio, and Lubian. "The national team is not a place where you can enter at any time", Velasco stated. We can understand specific times, but we cannot imagine submitting ourselves solely to the Olympic year". The coach then addressed the Bosetti situation: "I didn't exclude her; I called her. However, in that role, we need to introduce new players". Velasco reiterated his goal to initiate a new cycle by emphasizing the importance of young people, even if it necessitates making bold decisions: "There is still an excessive amount of skepticism toward young people in Italy, while abroad, talents like Yamal and Pedri are emerging. We need to adjust our mindset in order to reduce costs and regain enthusiasm". On the men's side, Ferdinando De Giorgi sees the Volleyball Nations League as an essential test. "We want to confirm our position at the top, and we will start by improving ourselves. The squad is young, but ambitious: the goal is to improve in every detail in preparation for the Olympic challenge".