Rai Sport has replaced Maurizio Colantoni and Andrea Lucchetta for men’s volleyball broadcasts ahead of the new SuperLega season. Journalist Edi Dembinski and former volleyball player Matteo Piano will handle the broadcast booth starting with the opening match between Rana Verona and Lube Civitanova, scheduled for Saturday at 18:00.

Verona-Civitanova Opener Launches New Commentary Pair

The broadcast shift begins directly with the Verona-Civitanova fixture. Dembinski will take over play-by-play duties, while Piano provides technical analysis. The pair previously hosted pre-match and post-match coverage during the European Men’s Volleyball Championship, establishing a working familiarity with Rai’s volleyball studio presentation before stepping into the primary commentary roles.

Social Media Backlash and the European Championship Flashpoint

During the European Championship, social media channels saw pointed criticism directed at Colantoni and Lucchetta from a segment of viewers, particularly more experienced fans, over what detractors characterized as an overly emphatic and sensationalist broadcasting style. At the same time, other viewers defended the duo for their ability to draw casual audiences into the sport. Colantoni had also faced friction with specific club fanbases, including a November 2023 incident at the Eurosuole Forum where Lube Civitanova supporters chanted against him from the stands following a match.

Lucchetta and Rai Deny Disciplinary Action

Both Lucchetta and network leadership have firmly rejected any connection between the commentary change and online criticism. In an official statement published by ANSA, Lucchetta clarified that the transition was a planned evolution rather than a punishment. “The rotation at the microphone for the volleyball championship is part of a planned path in full compliance with agreements with the Rai Sport management and director Marco Lollobrigida,” Lucchetta said, categorically denying any punitive measures or forced exclusions. He emphasized his ongoing commitment to the network, stating that his sense of belonging to Rai “has never been in discussion and never will be.”

Age Limits and Future Studio Roles

Rai enforces a limit of 67 years of age for staff. With Colantoni at 64 and Lucchetta at 63, it is probable that this is a planned handover. Neither broadcaster is leaving the network. Colantoni will transition to presenting the pre-match and post-match studio segments alongside former volleyball player Luca Vettori. Lucchetta confirmed that he and Colantoni remain fully integrated into the Rai Sport roster for major events, including the Supercoppa, Coppa Italia, and postseason playoff phases, with plans to return to national team matches.

Unresolved Questions for the 2027 World Championship

While the immediate Serie A SuperLega calendar is set with Dembinski and Piano at the microphone, the long-term broadcast assignments for the Italian men’s national team remain open.