Egonu’s service deficit and new SuperLega rules
Paola Egonu struggled with service production during the 2026 VNL, recording zero serve points in matches against Brazil and China. Meanwhile, new FIPAV rules for the Italian SuperLega allow teams to use up to eight substitutions per set to increase tactical flexibility.
Egonu’s service struggles in the VNL
I find the service production from Paola Egonu during the 2026 Volleyball Nations League quite disappointing. While Egonu remains a formidable force with her 3.44 m spike, her recent lack of service production in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League suggests a struggle to maintain her typical rhythm because of the pressure of international competition. In the match against Brazil on 25/07/2026, Egonu scored 16 total points, but she recorded 0 serve points. Her 14 attack points and 2 block points could not compensate for the lack of service pressure. In the match against China on 26/07/2026, the serving problem persists. She earned only 1 point, which came from an attack, leaving her with 0 serve points again. This pattern was evident in her match against the Netherlands on 22/07/2026, where she only scored 1 point from an attack. Against Canada on 11/07/2026, she managed 4 points from attacks and 0 serve points. Even in her match against Ukraine on 08/07/2026, she produced 0 serve points despite her 2 block points. She also scored 0 serve points against Belgium on 10/07/2026, where she scored 6 points from attacks. You should notice that her scoring in the 2026 VNL lacks the serving component she typically provides.
New rules in the Italian championships
The new FIVB rules now change the environment in the Italian SuperLega. These changes became official for all FIPAV competitions, including all federal championships and categories, on 28/09/2026. Coaches now have more room for tactical changes because teams can use up to eight substitutions in a single set. This increase in substitutions provides more possibilities for specialists and late-set adjustments. Referees also face new challenges with contact interpretations. They must evaluate two-handed play and double contacts with more consistency. The rule regarding two-handed play aims to allow the game to flow more naturally when players use both hands. The rules also allow a rally to continue if the ball touches the ceiling under specific conditions. These changes entered the league after national teams tested them during the 2026 international season. The CEV used EuroVolley 2026 as a testing ground to help teams become familiar with these interpretations. FIPAV’s Refereeing Commission expects to provide technical guidelines to ensure that referees apply the new rules consistently. I think the ceiling rule is the most visible change for spectators.
Club context and career history
Egonu currently plays for Vero Volley Milano, though she spent the 2019 to 2022 period with Imoco Volley Conegliano. She has a history of high performance, including a record 45 points in a semifinal against China and winning the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship as MVP. Regarding her recent club context, Imoco Volley Conegliano had to reverse its match against Granda Volley Cuneo. The match on 4/10/2026 was changed after an unavailability and an agreement between the clubs. This schedule shift shows how much club rotations matter. Will the increased substitution freedom favor the more experienced players like Egonu or the younger specialists? She remains one of the most decorated players, having earned the 2024 Olympic Games MVP title and the 2024 Volleyball Nations League MVP. A height of 1.96 m and a 3.21 m block support her physical dominance. She also earned a silver medal at the 2018 World Championship and a gold medal at the 2022 Volleyball Nations League. Her previous success includes winning the CEV Champions League with Vakifbank in 2023 and a CEV Champions League title with AGIL Novara.
