Changes in Coaching Staff for USA and Iran

Italian coach Andrea Piazza has set his sights on elevating the Iranian men’s national volleyball team back into the world’s top eight. Appointed in January, Piazza brings a wealth of experience, including a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics as an assistant coach for Italy and recent club success with Allianz Milano. Iran, currently ranked 13th globally, has seen a dip in performance since their golden era, which included two Asian Championship titles and a sixth-place finish at the 2014 FIVB World Championship. Piazza’s immediate goals include improving Iran’s performance in the upcoming Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and the 2025 FIVB World Championship in the Philippines. He aims to instill a winning mentality and leverage the team’s potential to regain their status among the world’s elite.

Meanwhile, the USA men’s national volleyball team will see a change in leadership as John Speraw takes over from Karch Kiraly as head coach for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. Speraw, who previously coached the US men from 2013 to 2021, leading them to a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, returns to the helm. Kiraly, a legendary figure in volleyball, stepped down after leading the team through two Olympic cycles. Speraw’s reappointment signals a strategic move by USA Volleyball to build towards a strong performance on home soil in 2028. His familiarity with the program and proven track record are expected to provide stability and direction as the team prepares for future international competitions, including the 2025 VNL and the World Championship. This coaching change marks a significant shift for the US men’s team as they embark on a new journey towards the next Olympics.

Source and Photo Credit: http://volleyballworld.com