Numia Vero Volley Milano: Italy’s Rising Power in European Volleyball

With the 2025 CEV Champions League Volleyball Women drawing close, Numia Vero Volley Milano is on the verge of history. Their journey has been marked by resilience, strategic prowess, and standout performances that have cemented their place among the best in Europe.

Drawn into a tough Pool C alongside VakifBank Istanbul, FC Porto, and Calcit Kamnik, Milano began their campaign with mixed fortunes. A 0–3 loss to VakifBank in Istanbul challenged their start, but the team recovered quickly, producing straight-set wins over Porto and Kamnik. The crucial turning point came in the reverse fixture against VakifBank. Milano played with purpose and determination, winning 3–1, enough to secure second place in the group and qualify for the playoffs.

There, they faced Germany’s SSC Palmberg Schwerin, defeating them with two 3–0 wins. The same scoreline repeated in the quarterfinals, where they met Eczacıbaşı Dynavit Istanbul. Milano remained consistent and composed, not dropping a single set across both matches. After an early 0–3 loss to VakifBank Istanbul in the group stage, Milano responded with seven straight wins, dropping only one set during that run, in their 3–1 home victory over VakifBank. It stands as their longest winning streak in the competition to date.

This impressive run has earned Milano a place in the Champions League semifinals for the second time. It follows their deep run last season as Allianz Vero Volley Milano, where they finished as runners-up after losing a five-set final to A. Carraro Imoco Conegliano. That same opponent now stands between Milano and a return to the final.

Milano’s history with Conegliano is long and difficult. They’ve met five times already this season across all competitions, with Conegliano winning each encounter. Their last win against Conegliano came in the 2022–23 Italian League playoffs, though they ultimately lost that series.

But this season, Milano brings more than numbers; they bring experience. Paola Egonu, now the team’s top scorer in the Champions League with 121 points, is aiming for her sixth consecutive Champions League final. Anna Danesi, Myriam Sylla, and coach Stefano Lavarini also carry rich histories in this competition and are hungry to complete Milano’s European climb. The club already holds titles in the CEV Challenge Cup (2018/19) and the CEV Cup (2020/21). The Champions League is the last remaining step.

For Milano, this semifinal is more than a rematch. It’s a chance to change the story.