Italian legend De Gennaro announces international retirement following world title

Just over a month after Italy's victory at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship, star libero Monica De Gennaro announced that the dramatic five-set battle against Türkiye that gave her country its second world title was the last international match of her career.

The 38-year-old libero used her Instagram account on Friday to confirm what many expected and announce that the 2025 season was her last with the Italian national team jersey.

De Gennaro joined the Italian national team in 2006 and walks away after the two most productive seasons of her 20-year international career, which saw the Italian national team skyrocket to the top of the world scene with victories in the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 2025 World Championship and the last two editions of the Volleyball Nations League, being selected as the tournament's MVP in 2025.

"The time has come to say goodbye to the blue jersey," her message said. "A jersey that I loved deeply, respected in every gesture, and that I honored by putting my heart and soul into in every match, for almost 20 years. I knew for a long time that this would be my last summer with the national team, but I kept it quiet because I first wanted to fight for the last cup that was missing from this extraordinary group. It's the right time to step back and make room for the new talents, who are growing strong and ready."

In her 20-year journey with the Italian national team, De Gennaro also helped them win the 2022 VNL, the 2011 FIVB World Cup and the 2021 European Championship. She represented Italy in four Olympics and four editions of the World Championship.

Vastly recognized as one of the best liberos of all time, De Gennaro was selected as the top player in the position at last year’s Paris Games and earned that same award in numerous international and club competitions, such as the VNL, the World Championship, the FIVB World Grand Prix, the FIVB Club World Championship and the CEV Champions League.

"I admit, I'll miss everything," her message continued. "I'll miss traveling, training, and getting on the court to represent Italy proudly. But above all, I'll miss the emotions. The victories shared with exceptional teammates, extraordinary women and athletes with whom I have walked an unforgettable journey. My most sincere thanks go to them. Now, however, that moment has arrived. 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."

De Gennaro will continue to play at the club level and just started her 13ths season with Prosecco Doc Imoco COnegliano in the Italian League, where she's coached by her husband, Daniele Santarelli.