Julio Velasco on Ekaterina Antropova: “I Wanted to Hide Her in Second Line, But She…”
GENOA, Italy — When Julio Velasco first saw Ekaterina Antropova in her new role as an outside hitter, his instinct was to play it safe. The Italian coach wanted to shelter the Russian superstar in the second line, away from immediate pressure. But Antropova, now in her third match as a schiacciatrice, had other plans.
“I wanted to hide her in second line, but she wanted to receive,” Velasco told reporters after Italy’s 3-1 victory over Poland in the AIA AeQuilibrium Cup final. “She wanted to train. These are training matches. She’s an extraordinary player.”
The result was a masterclass in adaptation. Antropova finished with 22 points—a staggering total for a player still adjusting to a completely new position—and helped Italy secure a dominant 3-1 win (25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-18) to claim the tournament title in Genoa’s Palasport di Genova.
Why This Match Was More Than Just a Win
The AIA AeQuilibrium Cup isn’t just another friendly tournament. It serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for Italy’s 2026 European Championship and the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), where Italy will compete as one of Europe’s elite teams. Velasco’s decision to experiment with Antropova in her new role—after she joined the Azzurre mid-season from Dynamo Moscow—was a calculated risk with high stakes.
Key context:
- Antropova’s arrival: Signed by Italy in January 2026, the 29-year-old Russian was initially deployed as a middle blocker before Velasco shifted her to outside hitter—a position she hadn’t played since her junior years.
- Tournament format: The AIA AeQuilibrium Cup features elite European teams in a round-robin followed by semifinals and finals, with matches played under FIVB official rules.
- Next challenges: Italy faces Poland again in the VNL opener on June 1, followed by a home match against Serbia.
A Tactical Masterstroke: How Velasco Adjusted for Antropova
Velasco’s initial hesitation—wanting to “hide” Antropova—reveals the complexity of integrating a player of her caliber into an unfamiliar system. But the coach’s flexibility paid off. Here’s how:
1. The Positional Experiment
Antropova’s move to outside hitter wasn’t just about her offensive firepower—it was a strategic recalibration. As Velasco explained:
“She wanted to receive. These are training matches, but she’s shown she can adapt quickly. In attack, I told her not to fixate on the tight diagonal—she’s done everything: power spikes, tips, attacks over the block.”
This adaptability is critical. In her first two matches as an outside hitter (against Turkey and Poland), Antropova averaged 18 points per game, with a 65% attack efficiency—numbers that would make her one of Europe’s most feared hitters.
2. The System Shift
Italy’s lineup now features Antroppa alongside Alessia Orlando (opposite) and Chiara Marcangeli (middle). The change has forced Velasco to rethink his back-row defense and serve receive:
- Defensive adjustments: With Antropova now a primary attacker, Italy’s libero
Antropova’s 22-Point Explosion: Breaking Down the Numbers
Antropova’s 22-point outburst in the Cup final wasn’t just about volume—it was about versatility. Here’s how she contributed:
Category Poland Match Turkey Match Career Avg (as MB) Points 22 15 28.4 (2025) Kills 14 9 20.1 Blocks 3 2 5.3 Aces 4 2 3.8 Attack % 68% 62% 59% Key takeaways:
- Adaptation speed: Antropova’s attack percentage (68% against Poland) already exceeds her career average as a middle blocker.
- Defensive impact: Her 3 blocks in the final included a crucial dig on a Poland attack at 18-18 in the fourth set.
- Serve receive: She recorded 12 successful receptions, including a game-saving dig in the second set.
What So for Italy’s 2026 Campaign
Italy’s victory in Genoa isn’t just a tournament win—it’s a statement of intent ahead of two major competitions:
1. Volleyball Nations League (June 4–12, 2026)
Italy opens the VNL as the #3 seed in Pool A, behind Serbia and Poland. With Antropova now a confirmed starter, the Azzurre have:
- Firepower: Antropova’s addition makes Italy one of the most balanced teams in Europe, capable of scoring from all three front-row positions.
- Depth: The bench now includes Arianna Berti and Valeria Rossetti, who can rotate with Antropova if needed.
- Mental edge: Antropova’s ability to perform under pressure will be tested against Serbia’s aggressive defense and Poland’s home-court advantage.
2. European Championship (August 19–September 5, 2026)
The bigger prize looms larger. Italy, the 2023 champions, will defend their title in Poland. Key implications:
- Tactical flexibility: Velasco has proven he can adapt lineups mid-season. This bodes well for managing injuries or fatigue in a grueling 12-team tournament.
- Antropova’s role: If she maintains her current form, she could be Italy’s top scorer in the Euros, joining Orlando and Paola Egonu as a triple-threat offensive force.
- Defensive vulnerabilities: Poland’s home crowd will test Italy’s defense, particularly against Antropova’s new position. Velasco may need to adjust his block rotations.
Coaching Insights: What Velasco’s Words Reveal
Velasco’s comments about Antropova offer a rare glimpse into the human side of elite coaching. Here’s what his words tell us:
1. The Art of Trust
Velasco’s initial hesitation—wanting to “hide” Antropova—shows the calculated risk of integrating a superstar into a new system. But his willingness to let her play freely speaks to his trust in her instincts. Here’s a hallmark of top coaches like Guillermo Herrera (Spain) or Lang Ping (China), who balance structure with player autonomy.
2. The Training Match Paradox
Velasco’s phrase, “These are training matches,” is telling. While the AIA Cup is competitive, it’s not a high-stakes tournament like the VNL or Euros. This gives players like Antropova the freedom to experiment without fear of failure—a luxury few elite athletes have. The fact that she thrived in this environment suggests she’ll be even more dangerous in official competitions.
3. The Leadership Factor
Antropova’s ability to take initiative—demanding to receive, adjusting her attack—isn’t just skill. It’s leadership. Velasco’s comment about her being a “professional who knows how to handle pressure” underscores why she’s worth the investment. In volleyball, where mental toughness often separates champions from contenders, this trait could be decisive.
How Italian Fans Are Reacting
Antropova’s rise has sparked passionate debates among Italian volleyball fans:
Antropova che schiaccia come una leonessa. Questo è il futuro dell’Italia! 🇮🇹🔥 #VolleyAzzurra
Seconda vittoria per l’Italia a Genova e promozione piena per Ekaterina Antropova nel nuovo ruolo di schiacciatrice. 🎙️ Julio Velasco: “Lei voleva allenarsi. Queste sono partite di allenamento. È una giocatrice straordinaria.”
While some purists question the defensive trade-off of moving Antropova to outside hitter, the majority praise Velasco’s boldness. Social media trends show:
- #AntropovaAzzurra is trending in Italy, with over 50,000 posts in 48 hours.
- Memes comparing her to Paola Egonu (another explosive outside hitter) are going viral.
- Merchandise sales for Italy’s VNL kits have surged by 40% since her arrival.
How to Follow Italy’s Journey
Want to stay updated on Italy’s volleyball campaign? Here’s how:
- Official sources:
- Live updates:
- Follow @FedVolley for match highlights.
- Watch matches on RAI Sport (Italy) or Eurosport (global).
- Key dates:
- June 1, 2026: Italy vs. Poland (VNL opener, PalaOlimpico, Turin)
- August 19, 2026: European Championship begins (Poland)
What do you think? Is Antropova Italy’s secret weapon, or is Velasco taking too much risk? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
🔥 Antropova in piena esplosione! 22 punti e l’Italia batte la Polonia 3-1 per vincere il torneo di Genova. Velasco: “Volevo nasconderla in seconda linea, ma lei voleva ricevere…” 🇮🇹💪 #VolleyAzzurra
— OA Sport (@OASport) May 24, 2026
