A little over a month after Italy triumphantly secured its second world title at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women`s World Championship, star libero Monica De Gennaro officially announced her retirement from international play. The thrilling five-set victory against Türkiye, which clinched the championship, marked the final match of her distinguished career with the national team.
The 38-year-old libero confirmed her departure from the Italian national team after the 2025 season via an Instagram post on Friday. This announcement, while anticipated by many, formalized the end of an era for Italian volleyball.
De Gennaro, who first joined the national team in 2006, concludes a remarkable 20-year international career. Her final two seasons were arguably among her most impactful, coinciding with Italy`s meteoric ascent to global dominance. This period saw the team achieve significant victories, including gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 2025 World Championship, and two consecutive Volleyball Nations League titles. De Gennaro herself was named MVP of the 2025 VNL, a testament to her enduring skill and leadership.
“The moment has arrived to bid farewell to the blue jersey,” De Gennaro wrote in her heartfelt message. “A jersey I deeply loved, respected in every action, and honored by pouring my heart and soul into every match for nearly 20 years. I`ve known for a long time that this would be my last summer with the national team, but I kept it private because I first wanted to fight for the final trophy missing from this extraordinary group. Now is the right time to step aside and make way for new, strong, and ready talents.”
Throughout her two-decade tenure with the Italian national team, De Gennaro also played a pivotal role in securing victories in the 2022 VNL, the 2011 FIVB World Cup, and the 2021 European Championship. She proudly represented Italy on the grandest stages, participating in four Olympic Games and four editions of the World Championship.
Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest liberos of all time, De Gennaro was consistently recognized for her exceptional talent. She was honored as the best player in her position at last year`s Paris Olympics and earned similar awards in numerous other prestigious international and club competitions, including the VNL, World Championship, FIVB World Grand Prix, FIVB Club World Championship, and the CEV Champions League.
“I confess, I will miss everything,” her message continued. “I will miss traveling, training, and stepping onto the court to proudly represent Italy. But most of all, I will miss the emotions – the victories shared with exceptional teammates, extraordinary women and athletes with whom I`ve embarked on an unforgettable journey. My most sincere thanks go to them. However, that moment has now come. Goodbye, national team. From today, there will be a new fan in the stands, a new voice in front of the TV. But my heart will always be there, with you.”
While her international career concludes, De Gennaro plans to continue playing at the club level. She has just commenced her 13th season with Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano in the Italian League, where she remains under the guidance of her husband, coach Daniele Santarelli.
Oliver Wrenwick