Italian coach joins PHL volleyball team

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has announced the appointment of Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni to lead the Alas Pilipinas Men’s team.

The announcement was made by PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila leg on Saturday.

“We have a new Italian coach. He’s a two-time Olympic coach Frigoni. He’s here to share with us his expertise and to bring our team and elevate their skills next year,” Suzara said.

Frigoni, known for his success on the international stage, recently guided the Italian U21 Men’s national team to a world title three years ago.

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance the skills and performance of the Alas Pilipinas Men, who recently finished 10th in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men.

In addition to Frigoni’s appointment, Suzara also revealed a shift in roles for another key figure in Philippine volleyball.

Sergio Veloso, the former head coach, will now serve as the director for junior development.

“Sergio [Veloso] will now be the director for the junior development so we’re now setting up a junior development program,” Suzara explained.

“Sergio will be in charge of the under 18, under 20, as you know we’re participating in the under 18 boys in Bahrain and under 20 women in the AIMAG in Bangkok in November, so he’s basically in charge of feeding the senior national team with very young players.”