Italy's national men's volleyball team will kick off the CEV EuroVolley 2025 on home turf with President Sergio Mattarella in the stands, a symbolic endorsement that underscores the political and cultural stakes surrounding one of Europe's biggest sporting events this autumn. The Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV) confirmed today that the head of state will attend the opening match between Italy and Sweden at Naples' Piazza del Plebiscito on September 10, marking a rare presidential appearance at a continental championship.
Why This Matters
• Presidential attendance signals government backing for Italy's co-hosting role across four cities—Naples, Modena, Turin, and Milan—through September 26.
• Economic impact: Similar sporting events in Italy have generated substantial economic activity, with host regions benefiting from increased tourism and spending during major championships.
• Reigning World Champions: Italy enters the tournament as one of the top-tier favorites alongside Poland, France, and Slovenia.
• Symbolic venue: The inaugural match at Piazza del Plebiscito marks the first time a major volleyball fixture will be staged in Naples' historic main square.
A Presidential Endorsement at Piazza del Plebiscito
Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), announced the president's attendance during a press event in Rome. "When we visited the Quirinale Palace with FIPAV President Giuseppe Manfredi, we extended the invitation to President Mattarella," Buonfiglio explained. "Today, I received confirmation from his office—he will be there, seated among the spectators in Piazza del Plebiscito."
The decision to hold the opening match in Naples' main civic square rather than a traditional indoor arena represents a calculated gamble by organizers aiming to amplify public engagement. The temporary venue—an open-air setup in the heart of the city—will seat thousands in front of the Royal Palace and the neoclassical colonnade of San Francesco di Paola. The logistical complexity of installing a regulation court, lighting, and grandstands in a UNESCO-protected historic zone has required months of planning and permits from municipal and cultural heritage authorities.
Mattarella's presence continues a tradition of presidential support for Italian national teams. He previously received the men's and women's volleyball squads at the Quirinale following their national team successes, cementing volleyball's place among the nation's most celebrated sports alongside football and cycling.
Italy's Tournament Roadmap and Pool Competition
The Italian men's team, coached by Ferdinando De Giorgi, faces a group-stage slate that includes Sweden, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Greece, and Slovakia. After the Naples opener, the squad shifts to the PalaPanini in Modena for pool matches during the group stage. The schedule prioritizes matches during evening hours to maximize television viewership.
Advancing from the pool stage will be critical. The top teams from each group progress to the Round of 16, with Turin's Inalpi Arena hosting the knockout matches before the semifinals and final shift to Milan. Italy's pool is considered moderately competitive—Slovenia ranks among Europe's elite, while Greece and Czech Republic pose tactical challenges but lack the depth of perennial powerhouses.
Favorites and the Competitive Landscape
Italy enters the tournament as one of three or four genuine title contenders. Poland, the 2023 European champions, is among the top favorites alongside Italy. Captain Simone Giannelli acknowledged the competitive environment. "Expectations are always high, but we focus on our work and enjoying the game. We have a responsibility to everyone following us, and in front of our home crowd, we'll give everything we have," he told reporters.
France, known for strong international performances, brings a potent combination of physicality and tactical discipline. Slovenia, led by playmaker Tine Urnaut, remains a competitive opponent. Serbia and Germany round out the group of nations capable of challenging for medals, while the Netherlands remains a wildcard with emerging talent.
Coach De Giorgi emphasized the importance of preparation despite Italy's strong international standing. "We can fight for medals, and we'll prepare accordingly. The key is that winning doesn't become an obligation—you don't play with a medal already around your neck," he said.
Economic and Cultural Stakes for Host Cities
The decision to co-host the tournament across Italy's four cities spreads logistical burdens but also concentrates benefits across multiple regions. Italy's host cities stand to gain substantially from visitor spending, hospitality demand, and infrastructure exposure. Comparable major sporting events have generated significant economic activity through tourism and related spending in host regions.
For Naples, the opening match represents a chance to showcase the city beyond its football heritage. Modena, a volleyball heartland with fervent local support, will host pool-stage matches. Turin and Milan—both with modern arenas and robust hospitality infrastructure—will handle the high-stakes knockout rounds. Ticket prices range from €25 for FIPAV members to €46.50 and up for general admission at venues like Modena's PalaPanini, with early-bird discounts applied for advance purchases.
What This Means for Residents
• Traffic and transport disruptions: Expect road closures around Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples from September 8-11 for setup and teardown. Public transport will add extra tram and metro services, but delays are likely.
• Ticketing access: FIPAV-registered members qualify for discounted tickets (€25 for Category 3 seats in Turin). Non-members can secure early-bird rates by purchasing before August 15.
• Broadcast schedule: All Italy matches will air live on Rai Sport and streaming via RaiPlay, with prime-time slots designed to maximize viewership.
• Economic ripple effects: Hospitality, retail, and transport sectors in the four host cities anticipate increased demand. Hotels near major venues are reporting strong advance bookings for September dates.
A Movement Beyond the Court
FIPAV President Giuseppe Manfredi framed the tournament as a broader cultural project. "We hope this championship will be a success not only on the court but also in the stands. We want to organize this event for everyone who loves this sport—for the children just starting to play and for the clubs whose daily work sustains our movement," he said.
Youth engagement has been a priority, with free school clinics scheduled in Naples, Modena, and Turin during the tournament. FIPAV has distributed over 30,000 free tickets to youth clubs and schools, part of a strategy to convert casual interest into long-term participation. Volleyball participation in Italy has grown significantly in recent years, with youth development credited as a major focus area.
The tournament also serves as a testbed for infrastructure investments. Milan's Allianz Cloud (formerly PalaLido) underwent substantial renovations to meet CEV standards, while Turin's Inalpi Arena added temporary seating to boost capacity for knockout rounds. Whether these upgrades translate into sustained use for domestic league play and future international events will determine the long-term return on investment.
A Major Championship at Home
Italy's hosting of the EuroVolley 2025 represents a significant moment for the nation's volleyball federation. With the opening match on September 10 at Piazza del Plebiscito and President Mattarella in attendance, the stage is set for nearly three weeks of high-stakes competition. The tournament will test Italy's organizational capacity, serve as a catalyst for youth development, and provide a platform for the national team to compete at the highest European level on home soil.
