#Italy #Florence #Menarini Group #wheelchair basketball #Volpi Rosse

A New Era for Volpi Rosse Menarini

As the countdown begins for the opening tip-off of the 2026/27 season, wheelchair basketball fans are buzzing with excitement surrounding the Volpi Rosse Menarini team. Located in Florence, Italy, this talented squad has made significant strides by introducing eleven fresh athletes into their line-up, aiming to make a substantial impact in both the Italian Serie A championship and the EuroCup.

Building an International Roster

Under the guidance of coaches Daniele Riva and Antonio Calamai, the team showcases a delightful mix of talent from various corners of the globe. Players have joined from the United States, Brazil, Sweden, and England, melding their skills with the existing Italian talent. Serving as the team captain is Luciano Felipe Da Silva, who will work alongside familiar faces from last season, including Riccardo Innocenti, Francesco Marotta, Andrea Papi, Erika Scrivo, Ludvig Sjöström, and Matteo Veloce.

The roster has also seen the addition of four fresh faces: Lorenzo Bassoli, Isaiah Johnson, Olle Svensson, and Ben Leitch. Notably, Leitch arrives after an impressive season with the Menarini Joventut Badalona in Spain, a team similarly aligned with the Menarini Group's mission to nurture inclusivity through sports.

Upcoming Season Schedule

The excitement culminates in the season opener set for Saturday, October 24, at 3:30 p.m. in Florence, where Volpi Rosse Menarini will play before their home crowd. This season presents a formidable challenge, featuring ten teams in the Italian Serie A. The players are geared up to prepare for the international EuroCup, scheduled for March 11–14, 2027, emphasizing their commitment to excellence on both domestic and international stages.

The Commitment to Inclusion

Founded in 2005, Volpi Rosse Menarini has thrived as a beacon of opportunity, championing personal growth and independence through the vehicle of sport. The Menarini Group, a title sponsor since 2011, underlines its dedication to promoting these values. According to shareholders Lucia and Alberto Giovanni Aleotti, the bond between the company and the team has grown stronger over the years, driven by shared principles and a passion for competition. "As the new season approaches, we are delighted to turn our long-standing friendship into concrete support and enthusiastic encouragement. We wish Volpi Rosse Menarini the very best of luck!"

In addition to competitive pursuits, Volpi Rosse Menarini actively promotes the culture of inclusion in schools, seeking to inspire younger generations.

Menarini Group’s Global Presence

With headquarters in Florence, the Menarini Group boasts a staggering presence in 140 countries, reporting €4.88 billion in consolidated turnover. Employing over 17,000 individuals, Menarini's portfolio focuses on critical treatment areas, including cardiometabolic, oncology, gastroenterology, and pneumology. Their commitment to research and high-quality manufacturing practices means they continually contribute to enhancing patients' health worldwide, ensuring the highest quality standards are met. For more information, visit menarini.com.

As the Volpi Rosse Menarini prepares for the upcoming battles on the court, the entire community eagerly anticipates what the new season will unveil for the team and its supporters.