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

Volpi Rosse Menarini: A Thrilling New Season

As the anticipation builds for the start of the 2026/27 season, the Volpi Rosse Menarini wheelchair basketball team is ready to take center stage. After an impressive lineup presentation in Florence, the team is set to compete in both the Italian Serie A and the EuroCup. With a roster comprising eleven athletes, the focus this year is on emerging talents who are eager to make their mark on the court.

A Diverse and International Roster

This season, the team has embraced a vibrant mix of players from various countries, including the United States, Brazil, Sweden, England, and Italy. Under the dynamic coaching of Daniele Riva and Antonio Calamai, the team has fostered an environment that not only embodies athletic excellence but also promotes cultural diversity within its ranks.

The captain, Luciano Felipe Da Silva, is well-supported by familiar faces from last year: Riccardo Innocenti, Francesco Marotta, Andrea Papi, Erika Scrivo, Ludvig Sjöström, and Matteo Veloce. Adding fresh energy to the squad are four promising newcomers: Lorenzo Bassoli, Isaiah Johnson, Olle Svensson, and Ben Leitch, who was previously with Menarini Joventut Badalona, a respected wheelchair basketball organization in Spain. Together, they form a robust team poised to take on the challenges of the forthcoming season.

Kick-off and Competitive Spirit

The season officially commences on October 24, 2026, at 15:30 in Florence, where Volpi Rosse Menarini will debut their campaign in front of a supportive home crowd. This season's Serie A features a total of ten teams, ensuring that competition will be fierce and exhilarating as teams vie for supremacy. The stakes will be high as the Volpi Rosse Menarini aims not just for local success, but also to gear up for an international showdown during the EuroCup from March 11-14, 2027.

A Commitment to Inclusion

Since its inception in 2005, Volpi Rosse Menarini has been about more than just basketball. The organization has become a beacon of opportunity, promoting personal and social development through sport. Since 2011, the team has proudly received support from the Menarini Group, which shares a vision of inclusivity and empowerment through athleticism. As Lucia and Alberto Giovanni Aleotti, key members of Menarini’s board, stated, “The determination and passion that this team demonstrates have strengthened our bond over the years.” Their ongoing commitment to the team symbolizes a partnership based on mutual goals and aspirations.

In addition to their competitive efforts, the Volpi Rosse Menarini team is actively involved in fostering a culture of inclusion beyond the basketball court. They conduct programs in schools, advocating for equal opportunities and engagement in sports, thus helping to break down barriers and reduce stigma associated with disabilities.

Menarini Group: A Global Leader

Menarini Group, headquartered in Florence, operates in 140 countries and has a consolidated revenue of €4.88 billion, employing over 17,000 individuals worldwide. Their products span a wide range of therapeutic areas, including cardiology, oncology, gastroenterology, and pulmonology. By continuously emphasizing research and development and ensuring high-quality manufacturing standards, Menarini is dedicated to improving patient health globally.

As the new season approaches, both the Volpi Rosse Menarini and the Menarini Group look forward to a fruitful partnership that not only elevates sports but also enriches lives and communities.

For more updates on the team and their journey, follow their official channels and join the celebration of sport, diversity, and inclusion.