Some moments in sport feel bigger than a single ceremony. This was one of them. On 31 March in Bologna, the 2026 Italian Volleyball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honoured a new class of inductees whose impact has been felt across generations of the sport in Italy and beyond.
They represent different eras and different roles, but together they reflect the depth and richness of Italian volleyball’s history. Some inspired on the court. Some led from the bench. Some helped shape and strengthen the sport from beyond the spotlight. All of them left a lasting mark.
Presenting the 2026 Italian Volleyball Hall of Fame inductees:
· Female volleyball player: Maurizia Cacciatori
· Male volleyball player: Franco Bertoli
· Beach volleyball player: Laura Bruschini
· Coaches: Daniele Bagnoli
· Referees: Giulio La Manna
· Managers: Pietro Florio (former FIPAV President), Arnaldo Eynard (former FIPAV President), Renato Ammannito
Maurizia Cacciatori, who earned 228 caps for Italy and European Championship silver and bronze medals during a decorated career, said: “First of all, this is a very emotional moment for me. What I can say is that it is a source of great pride to have worn that jersey. The most beautiful legacy that volleyball has given me is courage. The courage to know how to face the things that happen in life and how to handle them. And thank you to the Italian Volleyball Federation, to which I am very grateful.”
Franco Bertoli, an Olympic bronze medallist at Los Angeles 1984 who made 219 appearances for the Italian national team, added: “With gratitude and appreciation for this award, my first thoughts go out to the entire world of volleyball. Thanks to the Italian Volleyball Federation, which has been a fundamental part of my life and my journey since I was a boy. And thank you to everyone. To all those who have shared this path with me, in every role: players, coaches, managers. People who helped me grow, guided me, inspired me and with whom I built much more than a career.”
Laura Bruschini, who represented Italy at the Olympic Games Sydney 2000 and won three European Championship gold medals in 1997, 1999 and 2000, commented: “First of all thank you for this award, and my thanks to the Italian Volleyball Federation which allowed me to pursue my passion. I proudly wore the Italian national team jersey. And now I pass this passion onto young people, to the new generations. We have a responsibility to help them pursue their passion and honestly it gives me great pride to see the young female athletes who come to me, sometimes even a little unsure how to achieve their goal, and seeing them now as athletes and women it is a great source of pride.”
Bologna gave the occasion an added resonance. It was in this city, 80 years ago on 31 March 1946, that the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV) was founded. Since that day, Italy has grown into one of the sport’s true powerhouses.
Italy is a nation that lives and breathes the sport, boasts some of the world’s strongest club competitions and ranks among the most decorated countries in volleyball history with six Olympic and 10 World Championship medals. It was a powerful setting for a day that connected the sport’s past with its present and honoured those who helped define its identity.
“Believe me, I’m very, very excited,” said FIPAV President Guiseppe Manfredi. “80 years is a significant milestone, and I think everything that’s happened in recent years is even more so. This Federation is always moving forward; it never stops. We don’t dwell on past successes and always look ahead to the future. I see so many representatives of our Regional and Territorial Committees here in the room, and this fills me with pride. The local community makes the Federation great; thanks to all the work it does and the unwavering support it provides.”
The date also marked the opening of a wider programme of celebrations for FIPAV’s 80th anniversary, with dedicated events and engagements set to continue throughout the year until December.
“In Italy, volleyball is a source of inspiration for young men and women, and that’s wonderful,” said FIVB President Fabio Azevedo. “In this nation, there’s a great sense of belonging and responsibility for our sport. I always say that we have a responsibility to protect volleyball and make it better. At the opening ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026, six representatives of the Italian teams carried the Olympic torch. This shows how important our sport is in your country. Thank you all so much, long live Italy and long live volleyball.”
There was history in the room in Bologna. But above all, there was appreciation – for careers that inspired, contributions that endured and names that now have their place in the Italian Volleyball Hall of Fame.
