The Slovenian men’s volleyball national team has a new leader at the helm. Fabio Soli, a 45-year-old Italian coach, has signed a two-year contract with the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia, with an option to extend for another two years.
Soli Replaces Gheorghe Cretu as Slovenia’s Head Coach
Soli takes over from Gheorghe Cretu, the Romanian coach who led Slovenia’s national team from 2022 to 2024. Currently managing Trentino Volley, Soli recently guided the club to victory in the 2023/24 CEV Champions League, with Slovenian national player Jan Kozamernik on the roster.
Fabio Soli’s Coaching Journey
After a professional playing career in Italy, Soli transitioned to coaching in 2011, starting as an assistant coach at Casa Modena. His first international coaching experience came in 2013 when he moved to Fenerbahçe Grundig, initially as head coach and later as an assistant.
In 2014, Soli joined the Italian women’s national team as an assistant coach, a position he held for two years. He later led several Italian clubs, including:
- Globo Banca Popolare del Frusinate Sora (2014/15)
- Bunge Ravenna
- Vero Volley Monza
- Top Volley Cisterna
In 2022 and 2023, he coached the Estonian men’s national team before joining Itas Trentino for the 2023/24 season, where he claimed the Champions League title.
Slovenia’s 2024 Volleyball Calendar: Major Tournaments Ahead
Slovenia’s men’s volleyball team has a busy and challenging year ahead, competing in two major international events:
- FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) – June & July 2024
- June 11-15: Tournament in Rio de Janeiro, facing Cuba, USA, Brazil, Iran, and Ukraine.
- June 18-22: Tournament in Burgas, Bulgaria, competing against Bulgaria, France, Japan, Turkey, and Ukraine.
- July 16-22: Home tournament in Ljubljana, where Slovenia will play against Italy (reigning world champions), Serbia, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Canada.
- FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship – September 2024
- Held in the Philippines, this prestigious tournament will be a key test for Soli and the team.
Slovenian Volleyball Fans Await an Exciting Season
With a new coach, a talented squad, and major international competitions on the horizon, Slovenian volleyball fans have much to look forward to in 2024. Fabio Soli’s experience and leadership could be crucial in taking Slovenia to new heights on the global stage.
