The legacy engine: how Andrea Giani keeps reinventing EuroVolley excellence
Feature
Few figures in European Volleyball carry the weight of history quite like Andrea Giani.
As a player, the Italian legend was a titan of the court, collecting a record six EuroVolley medals - including four Golds - across an iconic career. Today, standing on the sidelines as head coach of reigning back-to-back Olympic champions France, his connection to the continental championship has evolved into an extraordinary record of longevity and adaptability.
The CEV Enel EuroVolley 2026 Men marks Giani’s sixth consecutive tournament as a head coach - a milestone unmatched by anyone in the history of the competition. From leading Slovenia to a silver medal in 2015, to taking Germany to the final in 2017, and now guiding a transformed French squad, Giani stands on the precipice of history: he could become the first coach ever to reach the EuroVolley Gold Medal Match with three different national teams.
Yet, despite his storied past and the overwhelming pressure that comes with steering back-to-back champions, Giani’s approach to the game remains fiercely grounded in the present.
Building identity over star power
Following France’s triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics and their Volleyball Nations League title runs (2022 and 2024), the team entered a new cycle of evolution. Nine new players have integrated into the group since 2023, leaving Giani with a delicate balancing act: blending the wisdom of five seasoned “veterans” with a hungry, young core making their European Championship debuts.
"The preparation always depends on the team and the players you have," Giani reflects. "Since 2023, I have younger players debuting in the European Championship. We work very hard on our identity and to play as a team with a good style. The style of the team is more important than the creative side, and the discipline you have out of the court is just as vital."
Managing a roster filled with distinct personalities and flair requires tactical intelligence, but Giani resists forcing a rigid formula.
"Everyone has their own style," he explains.
Andrea Giani"There is not one particular key to a successful team - you have to recognise the special features in each player and use them to improve your game. In our case, because we have debutants alongside experienced players, working together is everything."
Head coach of France
Managing the fear of the high-stakes court
Having stood on the podium six times as a player, Giani understands the visceral weight of big-moment pressure better than anyone. When navigating knockout matches, he draws directly from those high-stakes memories to steady his young bench.
"When you play for the first time, you are definitely going to experience fear and pressure - and this is normal," Giani says candidly.
Andrea Giani"Practice is the key. Especially when your game is not at a high level, you have to focus on the next ball in every match and use your teammates as a help. Each player needs to work for the next step of his improvement."
Head coach of France
That relentless focus on the next ball is what keeps his squads disciplined when momentum shifts. It is also the antidote to complacency for a team that everyone wants to knock off.
The core principle: respect every opponent
Having experienced EuroVolley from three entirely different benches over the past decade, Giani has watched the level of European Volleyball rise dramatically. The margins between victory and defeat have never been thinner, and for France’s head coach, survival in tournament play hinges on one golden rule.
"We are focused on the present and this particular EuroVolley to improve our level," Giani emphasises.
Andrea Giani"The thing is to always be ready to play every match, because not every game is easy. The moment you think the win is easy and is in your hands, the other team will take the opportunity."
Head coach of France
For Giani, success is not measured by resting on past accolades or counting former medals. It is built point by point, set by set, through relentless preparation and a shared team identity. As France charges deeper into EuroVolley 2026, Giani remains focused on the only thing that truly matters: the next match ahead.