By el Amigo
MANILA — Italian tactician Angiolino Frigoni will lead Alas Pilipinas Women on an interim basis, while Dante Alinsunurin returns to the men’s squad in a coaching shake-up announced by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).Frigo
The changes, announced Thursday, October 15, come as the federation prepares the national program for future international assignments, including the Philippines’ hosting of the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship.
Frigoni moves to the women’s team after handling Alas Pilipinas Men, which made history at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship by recording its first-ever victory in the tournament. The Filipinos defeated Egypt and also took Iran to five sets during their campaign on home soil.
The Italian coach has a decorated international résumé. He served on Velasco’s coaching staff when Italy captured the men’s world championship in 1990 and 1994, then went on to coach Italy’s women’s national team to bronze at the 1999 European Championship.
Under Frigoni, Italy’s women also secured their first Olympic appearance at the 2000 Sydney Games. More recently, he led Italy’s men’s Under-21 squad to the 2021 world championship title.
Frigoni replaces Japanese mentor Taka Minowa in the women’s program as the PNVF reorganizes its coaching setup.
Alinsunurin, who previously guided the men’s team to silver at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, takes over the senior men’s squad again after serving as Frigoni’s assistant.
Beyond the coaching appointments, the federation is also pursuing administrative changes intended to strengthen its national team operations, including measures to address the timely release of athletes’ financial allowances.
The reshuffle signals a new phase for both Alas squads as Philippine volleyball builds toward its next international campaigns.
ia/xf
