Volpi Rosse Menarini Embraces Young Talent as New Season Approaches
As the excitement builds for the 2026/27 season of wheelchair basketball, the Volpi Rosse Menarini team prepares to make its mark. Just days ahead of the season opener, the team's roster has been unveiled in Florence, featuring a blend of seasoned players and fresh talent. The addition of eleven new athletes showcases the team's commitment to fostering young talent, enabling them to shine in both the Italian Serie A championship and the EuroCup.
Under the guidance of coaches Daniele Riva and Antonio Calamai, the team boasts an impressive lineup, including international players from the United States, Brazil, Sweden, and England alongside homegrown Italian athletes. The roster is spearheaded by captain Luciano Felipe Da Silva, who is joined by the returning squad members: Riccardo Innocenti, Francesco Marotta, Andrea Papi, Erika Scrivo, Ludvig Sjöström, and Matteo Veloce. The four new signings—Lorenzo Bassoli, Isaiah Johnson, Olle Svensson, and Ben Leitch—bring diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives to the court. Notably, Leitch has transitioned from Menarini Joventut Badalona, another Paralympic organization supported by the Menarini Group, highlighting the company's dedication to promoting inclusivity through sports.
The 2026/27 season is set to tip off on October 24 at 3:30 PM in Florence, where the team will play its first game in front of hometown fans. This year, the Italian Serie A features ten competitive teams, providing an exciting platform for the Volpi Rosse Menarini to hone their skills and gain valuable experience for the upcoming EuroCup scheduled for March 11-14, 2027. Since its establishment in 2005, Volpi Rosse Menarini has grown into a beacon of hope, offering personal development and independence through sports.
The Menarini Group, the team's title sponsor since 2011, shares a strong bond with the team, emphasized by Lucia and Alberto Giovanni Aleotti, notable members of the Menarini Board. They have expressed their unwavering support, stating, "Our company and Volpi Rosse Menarini share a natural affinity based on common principles. The determination and passion this team displays in competition have forged a strong bond with our Group over the years. 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!" This partnership not only focuses on competitive success but also on promoting inclusion within schools and communities, reinforcing the impactful role sports play in society.
The Menarini Group, with headquarters in Florence, operates in 140 countries worldwide. Their commitment to innovation sees a consolidated turnover of €4.88 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 employees. Menarini's expertise spans several vital healthcare areas, including cardiometabolic, oncology, gastroenterology, and pneumology, ensuring high-quality support for patients globally. Through continuous investment in research and development, Menarini plays a pivotal role in advancing public health while upholding stringent quality standards in manufacturing. As the new season beckons, the Volpi Rosse Menarini team embodies the spirit of inclusion, competition, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and uplift through the power of sports.