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Volpi Rosse Menarini: The 'Fantastic Ten' Ready for Action

The Volpi Rosse Menarini wheelchair basketball team has officially unveiled its remarkable lineup of ten international athletes for the 2025-2026 season. This diverse group, embodying a blend of varying experiences and ages, has come together with a shared aspiration: to make a significant impact within Italy and across Europe.

The presentation took place in Florence, Italy, marking the commencement of a highly anticipated season as the team gears up for their participation in both the FIPIC Serie A championship and the Eurocup 3. With matches on the horizon, the anticipation is palpable among fans and players alike.

A Truly International Team

The Volpi Rosse Menarini team showcases an impressive roster that stretches beyond national borders. Players hailing from countries such as Spain, Finland, Sweden, France, Brazil, and Italy have united under one banner, demonstrating the global appeal and inclusivity of wheelchair basketball. This eclectic mix not only represents skill and talent but also highlights the team’s commitment to fostering inclusivity through sport.

The volunteers will be headlining the team during both home and away games, providing fans with thrilling and competitive basketball. The upcoming matches serve as vital preparation for the Eurocup 3, which is scheduled for March 12-15, 2026, in Amsterdam.

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 2005, the Volpi Rosse Menarini has grown to symbolize the power of personal and social development through sports. Each game serves as a testament to passion, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, proving that sports can be a catalyst for change. Menarini, the pharmaceutical group that has sponsored the team since 2011, aligns perfectly with these values, underlining solidarity, growth, and sporting ethics.

In the words of Lucia and Alberto Giovanni Aleotti, shareholders of Menarini, “It is as if we are two communicating vessels; the Volpi Rosse Menarini and our Group share the same values that we believe in.” This partnership emphasizes the importance of determination, pushing the team to continuously strive for improvement and brighter prospects.

Commitment to Inclusion Beyond Sports

But the team’s efforts extend beyond the court. The Volpi Rosse Menarini is actively engaged in promoting social awareness and inclusion projects, particularly focused on the youth in Florence's schools. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding of inclusivity through educational outreach.

Moreover, Menarini’s support isn’t confined to Italy alone; the group also sponsors the Menarini Joventut team in Badalona, Spain, further enhancing the sense of community and inclusiveness within wheelchair basketball.

Recent Achievements

Throughout its history, the Volpi Rosse Menarini has achieved remarkable successes, including a third-place finish in the Italian Under 22 Championship and being crowned the UISP Italian Champions in the 2017/18 season. Following a challenging period due to the pandemic, the team rebounded strongly, claiming both the Italian Under 22 and Serie B championships in the 2020/21 season, which earned them promotion to the top division.

In subsequent seasons, they made their mark in Serie A, finishing with competitive standings while also achieving notable victories in international tournaments, including the Eurocup 3, where they finished second in Spain and won the tournament in France. Their consistent performance secures their position as a formidable team in wheelchair basketball, proving their competitiveness year after year.

The Menarini Group: A Global Presence

The Menarini Pharmaceutical Group operates in 140 countries and has seen impressive growth, boasting a consolidated turnover of €4,603 million and a workforce of over 17,000 employees. With nine research and development centers and 18 manufacturing plants worldwide, Menarini’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards is evident in their pharmaceutical production, generating over 609 million packages annually. Their extensive portfolio addresses critical healthcare needs, including cardiology, oncology, and infectious diseases, reaffirming their role in improving global health.

For the Volpi Rosse Menarini team, the 2025-2026 season presents an exciting opportunity to showcase their skills, pursue their dreams, and continue making a meaningful impact, both on and off the court. With their sights set on excellence, the team looks forward to what this new season will bring.