The World Championship’s best player returns to Italy today for the Champions League match against Novara: “The first few days, I used Google Translate to go grocery shopping. We never talk about the World Championship final with my Turkish teammates.”
The world champion returns home. Today at 6 p.m., Alessia Orro will play her first official match in Italy wearing the Fenerbahçe jersey. The 27-year-old is embarking on a new chapter in her dazzling career. After leaving Narbolia in the summer of 2013, the Sardinian played for Club Italia, Busto Arsizio, and Vero Volley before her summer transfer to Turkey. Meanwhile, she’s racked up achievements with the national team. Most recently, she won gold at the 2025 World Championship and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Since September, Istanbul has “captivated” her. “The city is beautiful; I feel lucky. On my days off, I play tourist and am discovering a fascinating city, country, and culture—including the food.”
Orro, you barely had time to settle in Turkey before you immediately lifted a trophy—the Super Cup. How did you experience that?
“It all happened right away, out of the blue. I knew it would be difficult because, as a setter, I hadn’t yet developed great chemistry with the spikers. They trusted me, and I trusted them. We were down 2-0 against Vakifbank, then something clicked and we came back.”
On the second day of the Champions League group stage, you’ll face an Italian team: Novara. What does this tournament mean for Fenerbahçe?
“The Champions League is our main goal. The match against Novara will be very difficult, especially since Novara has gotten Tolok back compared to the first part of the season. It’ll be a tight contest.”
You play for a multi-sport club where volleyball is just one of the flagship sports…
“Fenerbahçe fans are consumed by passion. It’s a big family that spans from soccer to basketball. I’ve already gone to watch the EuroLeague. Melli is there—I was happy to see him. We all support each other.”
Your league seems similar to our A1. Besides you, there’s Sylla. And then there are many Italian coaches…
“The sport in Turkey is growing year after year, and more and more top players are joining this league. It was only natural that some Italians would come too, since our national team is one of the strongest in the world. I’m glad Myriam is here—I’m very close to her. I also run into our coaches, with whom we sometimes share experiences and speak in Italian.”
By the way, how are things going with the languages?
“Before coming to Turkey, I didn’t speak English. I knew the basics, the things useful on the court. Now I have to live with this language all day long, and it’s helping me a lot. The first few days weren’t easy—starting with grocery shopping at the supermarket. Google Translate helped me out…”
Have you ever talked about the World Cup final again with the players on the Turkish national team?
“No, never. There’s a lot of respect between us, and we’re focused on the club. It’s a daily inspiration to be able to work with players of this caliber.”
Speaking of the national team, have you decided what to do for 2026? Will you take a two-month break or the whole summer?
“I haven’t decided yet. And when I do, I’ll discuss it first with head coach Velasco.”
Food is also part of the cultural discovery.
“Everything is spicy, and I don’t mind—I love trying new things. The meat is delicious, and even the rice is an art form. And then there are the desserts: my favorite is baklava with ice cream. One of the best I’ve ever tasted.”
She’s sharing this experience with her boyfriend Matteo Picchio, who until last year played as a libero for Vero Volley Monza in the Super League. How’s it going? “Great. He’s focused on writing his thesis—an important moment in his life. Then, when he’s done, we’ll see. He’s aiming to become a sports trainer.”
