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The Volpi Rosse Menarini Team: A New Chapter Begins

The Volpi Rosse Menarini wheelchair basketball team gathered at a press conference in Florence, Italy, to formally introduce their new team roster for the 2025-2026 season. This year, the team consists of ten talented players from various countries, expressing their collective ambition to make an impactful difference in both Italy and across Europe. As the team gears up for the challenges in the FIPIC Serie A championship and Eurocup 3, the excitement is palpable amongst players and fans alike.

An International Assembly of Talent

Diversity defines this year’s lineup, with team members hailing from countries such as Spain, Finland, Sweden, France, Italy, and Brazil. This eclectic mix of backgrounds not only enriches the team’s dynamics but also enhances their competitive edge as they prepare for the formidable matches ahead. The season opener is set to establish the team’s presence in the Serie A and subsequently gear up for the Eurocup 3 tournament scheduled for March 12-15, 2026, in Amsterdam.

Since its establishment in 2005, the Volpi Rosse Menarini team has become emblematic of personal growth and inclusion through sports. With the unwavering support of the Menarini Pharmaceutical Group, which has been the team’s title sponsor since 2011, the athletes embody essential values of solidarity and sporting ethics.

"Our team and the Menarini Group share core values that emphasize our commitment to personal and collective betterment through sports," said Lucia and Alberto Giovanni Aleotti, key shareholders and Board members of Menarini. They emphasized the team's unwavering tenacity and commitment to improvement, inspiring confidence as they look to the future.

A Focus Beyond Competition

The vision of Volpi Rosse Menarini extends beyond the court. The team dedicates efforts to fostering awareness and inclusivity by engaging with local schools in Florence. Their initiatives nurture a greater understanding of disability and inclusion, resonating with their mission to create a supportive community.

Moreover, Menarini's commitment transcends Italian borders. The group also supports the Menarini Joventut wheelchair basketball team in Badalona, Spain, exemplifying their dedication to building more inclusive environments while providing athletes the opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills.

A Legacy of Achievement

Over the years, the Volpi Rosse Menarini have left an indelible mark in the realm of wheelchair basketball. They have gained significant accolades, including a third-place finish in the Italian Under-22 Championship, and clinching the UISP Italian Championship title in the 2017/18 season. Following the pandemic's disruption, the team bounced back impressively, winning the Italian Under-22 and Serie B championships in 2020/21, leading to their promotion to the top division.

Subsequent seasons saw their continued growth, finishing eighth in Serie A in 2021/22, sixth in 2022/23, and triumphing in the Eurocup 3 tournament held in France. Their performance remained consistent, with a fifth-place finish in Serie A for the 2023/24 season and securing another second place in the Eurocup 3 in Spain in the last season.

Looking Ahead

As the new season unfolds, the Volpi Rosse Menarini team looks forward to what lies ahead, driven by passionate players and robust support from the Menarini Group. Headquartered in Florence, Menarini operates globally in 140 countries with a strong emphasis on healthcare, research, and development. Their investment in the health of patients through cutting-edge pharmaceuticals directly contributes to the team’s morale and competitive spirit.

Together, the Volpi Rosse Menarini and Menarini Pharmaceutical Group continue to exemplify the hope of a more inclusive society through sports, where every challenge brings an opportunity for growth and mutual respect. Let the games begin!