Italian
The Italian men’s and women’s national volleyball teams, World Champions, were received by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella
ROME – Two national teams (the men’s and the women’s) in the same sport crowned World Champions simultaneously. In Italy this had never happened in team sports, except in tennis. On the global volleyball stage only Russia had achieved it in 1952 and in 1960. Two victories just three weeks apart, thus entering by right into the history of Italian and world sport.
Therefore, yesterday afternoon the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella wished to receive both teams and their respective staffs at the Quirinale, in what is by now almost a tradition for victorious national teams. From women’s soccer, to basketball, and now also volleyball.
The azzurre and azzurri, accompanied by their staffs, by the President of CONI Luciano Buonfiglio, by Secretary General Carlo Mornati and by the Federation President Giuseppe Manfredi, were welcomed in the Salone delle Festeof the Quirinale Palace by the Head of State. Also present in the audience was the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi.
It was an emotional meeting, once again underscoring the strong bond between the Head of State and Italian sport—in this case, volleyball. Some passages were very meaningful, above all the address by the women’s CT Julio Velasco, who reiterated how within the team “We have great diversity, a diversity that wins.”
The first to speak was CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, followed by FIPAV President Giuseppe Manfredi. Then came the two head coaches Julio Velasco and Ferdinando De Giorgi, captain Anna Danesi and vice‑captain Simone Anzani. The two coaches then presented the President with their gold medals, a signed jersey for each team, a ball with all the signatures, and a tie in memory of the double success.
Absent due to club commitments were Myriam Sylla, Alessia Orro, captain Simone Giannelli, Yuri Romanò, and Roberto Russo.
Buonfiglio’s Words
To begin, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio said:
“Mr President, it is always a pleasure to be here, given the warm welcome you always show toward the world of sport. This is the third time I have been here in 100 days, but the emotion is always the same. Volleyball, FIPAV, has accomplished something extraordinary. We are here because this is Italian sport that merits and asserts itself on the world stage. The images we have just seen tell all the emotions that the girls and boys transmitted to us through their journeys. What the women’s and men’s national teams have done is extraordinary—for the first time, two national teams have won the World Championships in the same year.
I want to offer a special mention to coaches Velasco and De Giorgi. Ferdinando is a “son” of Julio and Velasco is extraordinary, having won with both the men and the women. I congratulate President Manfredi for the extraordinary work he has accomplished. FIPAV is an example not only in sport, but also in conduct. It is a model to study and to follow. Dear President, once again thank you for your attention and your affection. We know very well that you follow every national team event. During the entire summer there was a recurring refrain: the Inno d’Italia. It was the “hit” of the summer, and we will work to make it resound also in the winter, at the Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics.
Long live Italy, long live sport and thank you from the heart, Mr President.”
President Manfredi
These were the words of FIPAV President Giuseppe Manfredi:
“Dear President, I sincerely thank you for having welcomed us once again in this place which is a symbol of unity, of history and of the identity of our country. To be received at the Quirinale is an immense honor; when this happens it means something significant has been accomplished for Italy and for Italians, and it is all the more so when two National Teams that have written an indelible chapter in Italian sports history are invited.
In this year 2025 Italy has accomplished an extraordinary feat: to win the world title both with the men’s and the women’s national team. And behind the victories of the two senior teams there are also other significant results such as the European Championship win by the women’s sitting volleyball team and the many medals won by the Italian youth teams—a fundamental step for the development of many Azzurri champions. These results fill us with pride, but they are also the fruit of deep, consistent, and shared work.
Behind the cups lifted sky‑high by Anna and Simone—our extraordinary captains—lies the face of an entire movement: of the thousands of grassroots clubs, of elite clubs, of coaches, officials, volunteers, and above all the thousands of girls and boys who every day walk into a gym with a dream in their eyes.
Italian volleyball is a great family and it is the sport for families. A strong, healthy movement growing in school gyms, in small provincial clubs. It is a reality that unites, that educates, that molds: inside and outside the court. And today, more than ever, we have the duty to make it grow still.
Mr President, we know that sporting success is measured not only by medals, but by what we leave to future generations. For this reason, we hope that this historic double victory is also an opportunity to relaunch a cause close to our hearts: that of school sports facilities. We believe that every girl and every boy in Italy should have the chance to discover and experience the beauty of volleyball, and of sport in general, in welcoming, safe, and modern environments.
Investing in school sport is not only an educational choice; it is a cultural, social, even economic choice. Because sport is inclusion, respect for rules, team spirit. It is one of the places where one learns also to lose, but at the same time to get back up and respond to difficult situations—just as our National Teams did, who with strength, courage, and determination gifted us one of the most beautiful seasons in our history.
To see our Azzurri and Azzurre singing the anthem with the World Cup in hand is an image that will remain in the hearts of all Italians. An image that reminds us what we can achieve when we believe in work, passion, and unity. So, dear President, once again thank you. Thank you for the repeated show of support for our sport, as well as for your constant attention to youth and for the emotion with which you welcome our champions today. We are proud to represent Italy. An Italy that knows how to win, but above all knows how to build. Together.
Long live Italian volleyball. Long live sport. Long live Italy.”
Coach Velasco
These are the words of Women’s National Team Head Coach Julio Velasco:
“Dear President, it is an enormous pride for us to be here. When the President of the Republic receives us, it means that all of Italy receives us. For us this is an important day, especially in a historical moment when divisions, sadly, prevail. But I believe that sport can defend a democratic culture and coexist with diversity.
I believe the women’s team is a model to follow and admire. We have great diversity, a diversity that wins and is able to work together, because we work for one single purpose: that of achieving a goal, that of winning. I believe people have recognized the value of the girls and have especially identified with the attitude shown on court. For how the athletes themselves have given everything. As they did in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and now at the World Championship.
These girls never gave up, showing great unity. Our roster includes many different cultures, starting with me—I come from Argentina—but I have fallen madly in love with this country. We have athletes from different regions, players with parents from various nations. I believe that factor can fully represent the new society, both in Italy and in Europe. The team has shown how to defend the Italian flag and the ideals of the country, bringing the tricolor to the top of the world.
A journalist asked me how difficult it is to bring together so many individual personalities. It was not difficult because the girls are extremely motivated. They represent an extraordinary movement. We are the tip of an iceberg, but behind us there is an entire elite movement. We are fortunate to have returned here to you, to return victorious is extremely difficult. Next year we will pretend to have lost so that we hope to return once again here to celebrate with you.”
Coach De Giorgi
These are the words of Men’s National Team Head Coach Ferdinando De Giorgi:
“Good morning to you, President, and thank you all for this special invitation. I am happy to be here again in your presence together with the team, the staff, and the officials after a brief post‑Olympic reflection. I must tell you in full sincerity that you, dear President, have become our Motivator.
Before departing for the Philippines—within our team’s training journey—we watched a video with the speech made by our captain Giannelli on the occasion of the 2022 World Championship victory, which concluded with the hope of seeing you again as soon as possible. That was our first motivational push.
It was a world championship experienced with emotional pushes and pullbacks in which we tried to always remain balanced. A very difficult and demanding world tournament, but fully aware of our training path which made us by no means perfect, but special.
The boys and staff of this Azzurri national team of which I am the coach are special for their capacity and will to integrate, to help each other, to endure. They looked inside themselves to find value‑based energies that made the team solid, cohesive and engaged—and it is known that when people are involved, dreams come true. We are here to celebrate a historic moment for our Federation and world volleyball: the double victory of the men’s and women’s World Championships.
Mr President, this victory reflects the immense value of our Italy—complex but immense in its history and moral conscience. Last time I confided in you our agonistic cry of Noi Italia. Today I want to confide three imperative words we used, thanks to inspiration from our Tuscan physiotherapist Pito, in the last two matches:
- Enjoy: because volleyball is always a game, and the high‑level athlete should never give up the childlike joyful nature of play.
- Fight: the strength of moral character to face the arduous challenges inevitable to reach significant goals.
- Persist: the tenacity to believe together that dreams can be realized.
Mr President, I would like to close with a hope. You still have a few years remaining in your mandate… I have a bit fewer… I would like to see you again soon in a similar occasion… I very much hope we will. I hope we meet again soon for the same reason. Congratulations, I will be waiting for you.”
Captain Danesi
The deeply moved words of Captain Anna Danesi:
“Mr President, on behalf of all my teammates I wish to sincerely thank you for this invitation and for the warm welcome you have given us today in such a splendid setting. For us this is not the first time, but the emotions derived from meeting you today are fresh and genuine, perhaps dictated by the constant attention you pay to the world of sport, and by the authentic passion you have always shown toward volleyball. You know it, you follow it, you love it: for us, that means a lot.
Numbers in our sport are fundamental. One wins by reaching a certain number in a set, and only putting together three sets can one win a match. Numbers have become our companions over the last two years, framing two unforgettable and perhaps unrepeatable summers. These numbers, mathematics, recount part of our story: 36 consecutive wins between 2024 and 2025, very few sets dropped, an infinity of points scored. Numbers, turned into records, that impress, of course, but are not enough to truly explain what lies behind this group. Because those numbers say much… yet at the same time they do not tell everything.
Numbers, Mr President, do not tell of the hours in the gym, the obsession over details, the shared toil, the endless training. Numbers do not speak of sacrifices, injuries, farewells, long-distance relationships, the pressure borne by favorites, dark moments, tears, anger, and the waits that seem eternal.
And yet it is there, in those moments, that victories are built. It is there that this group showed its greatest strength: the enthusiasm with which they faced every obstacle, transforming pressure into energy, combining experience and youth, valuing each single athlete within a common project.
Credit goes to an incredible staff, whom we publicly and earnestly thank: a group of women and men who became for us a source of inspiration as well as technical guidance. People who supported us with competence, empathy, and passion. Behind every success was their silent but fundamental work. For this reason too, being here today represents for us an immense honor that must never exceed the responsibility we wish to share together: that of being considered a model. A winning group, yes, but above all a united group in diversity, capable of valuing differences and exalting individuality.
This is perhaps our most beautiful achievement, before every triumph that has characterized recent years.
A special thanks also to the Italian Volleyball Federation, which believed in us at every stage, supporting and backing every need and choice. A Federation able to always go higher—above names, beyond names—solely for the love of this wonderful game.
And naturally a thought must go to all registered female players—if you allow me now I want to speak to the girls who dream in the shadow of the net—because they follow us everywhere, never letting us feel alone, not even for an instant. Today we count 281,349 registered female athletes: an extraordinary number, which testifies to growing passion and makes us proclaim with conviction that the future of Italian women’s volleyball can only be fantastic.
To those girls who dream of reaching this level, I want to say something very simple: play sport. Do it at school and in your free time, by day, by evening, and if necessary even at night. Do not listen to those who say sport is the enemy of study. Because sport trains concentration, strengthens body and mind, and will give you the determination that will help you also in the classroom. We have many champions of volleyball who have succeeded in completing their education without ever having to choose between a dream and schooling.
Mr President, for us today is not just a celebration. Today you stand before 28 individuals—girls and boys—who have dreamed, sacrificed, and in the end made it. Two different journeys characterized by a common love. Being here, honored thus, is something we will forever cherish in our hearts. From our side we will continue to give our utmost to represent Italy with pride, dedication, and love for this beautiful jersey.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Long live volleyball. Long live sport. Long live Italy.”
Vice‑Captain Simone Anzani
It was then the turn of Vice‑Captain Simone Anzani, in his final experience wearing the Azzurri jersey:
“Esteemed President Mattarella, I thank you for having again, as on other occasions, chosen to celebrate and welcome our victories in this hall, elevating our sport and our movement. Today I have the honor of speaking before you also on behalf of Captain Simone Giannelli, who due to club commitments could not be present, and to bring also the greetings of Roberto Russo and Yuri Romanò, who for the same reason are not here with us today.
This back‑to‑back, from the 2022 World Championship to today, makes us proud to have carried our nation’s colors high. Repeating such success is never easy, but we did it: this is the result of years of sacrifices and determination that have accompanied us on this long path.
But this victory, Mr President, is not only a sporting victory—it is the testimony of what can be achieved with unity, sacrifice, passion, and humility. On the court there were not just fourteen athletes, but all of Italy: the strength of our fans, the support of our families.
This cup belongs to Italy: to those who believed in us, to those who followed us with emotion, and to those who, watching us play, rediscovered the pride of feeling part of a country capable of excelling even in the most difficult challenges. Mr President, we dedicate this victory to our country. We do so with the pride of having upheld the colors of Italy, certain that this success can inspire the new generations to believe in their dreams, with the same determination and heart that guided us on court.”
President Sergio Mattarella’s Address
After the various interventions, here is the address of President Sergio Mattarella:
“Welcome back. I thank you for the gifts which I will preserve with great care. The medals are yours—you carry them with pride—and it must be an extraordinarily moving sensation. You have been tremendous, congratulations and thank you again for the emotions you have conveyed. You have been followed passionately by all Italians, by the entire country. I would also like to extend my greetings to those unable to be present here today with us: Captain Simone Giannelli, whom I thank for the letter he sent me; Myriam Sylla; Alessia Orro; Roberto Russo; and Yuri Romanò. I’m very glad for the presence of Daniele Lavia, who also participated in the World Championship with heart and mind.
The journey of these two teams has been extraordinary and full of fascination. I thank all the staff for their great work in accompaniment, as well as the two head coaches Julio Velasco and Ferdinando De Giorgi, for their commitment and for what they have put forward on and off the court to bring the athletes in the best possible condition—and especially for the extreme clarity they showed during the various time-outs.
A truly stellar leadership performance. I followed the matches. For the women’s championship up to the Poland match, I must say that it was a truly excellent path, but the semifinal and final were thrilling. Against Brazil and against Turkey they were two very high-level and demanding matches—my compliments. To the men’s champions I would say I started following you from the quarterfinals; I was lucky because I could not see the match with Belgium. Then I had the impression that in the third set against Bulgaria, the boys wanted to inject some vivacity so as not to make it too flat. You were extraordinary in the reaction in the fourth set, truly fantastic and masters of the court.
I want to thank Anna Danesi and Simone Anzani very much for what they said. I want to highlight something in reference to a facet that perhaps is sometimes emphasized. The sacrifices, difficulties, renunciations, the pressure one feels, personal bonds at a distance—these elements represent a price to pay and a high sacrifice. Naturally all of this is accompanied by passion—that is the basis of successes. But I see a reward in the successes and in the affection that surrounds you.
That aspect—the preparation, the grueling commitments to reach these levels—must never be forgotten when appreciating your dedication. I would add that there is another reward to the sacrifices and commitments you undertake: having spurred, solicited, encouraged so many girls and boys—so many youths—to devote themselves to volleyball or to sport in general.
This is a great contribution to the life of our country and to our young people. President Manfredi earlier reminded us that grassroots clubs, scattered across many provinces, are the true protagonists, just as schools and school gyms are. This is an element that adds value to your success. The important numbers of registered athletes are a legacy of commitment that contributes greatly to the well-being and even the ethical level of our society. All this expresses a trust in our youth.
A few days ago I was in Naples for the ceremony opening the school year, and the esteemed guest was Julio Velasco, who made a speech defending youth and against those of my generation who sometimes complain and criticize them. I applauded him strongly, with great warmth and conviction, because I am convinced that a truly extraordinary and positive generation of youth is growing up.
This encouragement to the young is also supported by your example, by your contagion, and in the demonstration that one can have dreams. I wish, dear President, to say to Ferdinando De Giorgi, who hopes to return soon on a similar occasion… I hope so very much too. I hope we see each other soon for the same reason. Congratulations, I await you.”
