Final goals and change pressure
Before SEA V.League 2026, coach Federico Rampazzo said that the goal of the Vietnamese men's volleyball team is to participate in the final, showing the team's ambition in the new period, but also putting pressure on the coaching staff and players.
For many years, men's volleyball has been unstable in the top group in Southeast Asia. The team has had good matches, played excitedly against strong opponents but has not maintained the necessary endurance to reach the decisive matches.
Therefore, the goal of reaching the SEA V.League 2026 final is not simply a goal achievement. It is also a way to verify the renovation process of the national team under coach Rampazzo.
The Italian coach is expected to bring a more modern training mindset, emphasizing discipline, stability in each handling phase and clear tactical operation capabilities.
With the Vietnamese men's volleyball team, the first thing to change is certainty in the basics, limiting serve errors, improving step one, organizing more diverse attacks and avoiding consecutive losses of points.
Internal competition
To prepare for the 2 legs of SEA V.League 2026, Mr. Federico Rampazzo has shortened the registered list to 17 athletes. When entering each official stage, the coaching staff will continue to select the 14 most suitable people.
In the main attacking position, the team has Ngoc Thuan, Van Tien, Anh Tu, Minh Duc and Ngoc Hieu. This is a group of players who play an important role in balancing attack and defense.
In which, Ngoc Thuan is still the mainstay thanks to his experience and attacking ability. However, the fact that there are 5 main attackers in the list shows that the coaching staff still wants to maintain competition in this position.
Depending on each opponent, Mr. Rampazzo will choose an option that leans towards attacking power or prioritize stability in the first pass.
The middle blocker positions include Duy Tuyen, The Khai, Xuan Tien and Thanh Tung. This is the midfield line that is expected to create a difference. If the middle blocker operates effectively, the team will have more fast attacking exercises, thereby reducing pressure on the wing attacks. Conversely, if the midfield line is not strong enough to stretch the opponent's block, Vietnam's playing style is easily read.
The setter position registered is Van Duy, Cong Duc and Hoai Phuong. This is the position that determines the attacking pace, ball distribution ability and how the team rotates the game. To create a new face, the Vietnamese team needs a setter who is brave enough, handles quickly and knows how to maximize attacks.
The opposite hitter group includes Van Chuong, Quoc Du and Van Phuong. Against strong opponents, opposite hitters not only need good jump and attacking power, but also have the ability to handle the ball flexibly when the opponent's block is already tightly organized.
The two liberos chosen are Duy Phuc and Duc Hoang. In tense matches, the quality of the defense in the back and step one will directly affect the effectiveness of tactical deployment.
Challenge from a strong Southeast Asian team
The goal of reaching the final of SEA V.League 2026 is a big ambition, because the Vietnamese men's volleyball team will have to compete directly with experienced opponents in the region.
Indonesia has been one of the leading strong teams in Southeast Asia for many years. They have good physique, strong attack, the ability to unleash great pressure and often play very fiercely at key moments.
Thailand is again a fast, versatile and well-organized opponent. Although not always superior in physique, Thai men's volleyball has the ability to coordinate quickly, exploit gaps and force opponents to move continuously.
The Philippines cannot be underestimated either. In recent years, this country's volleyball has had stronger investment, a strong physical force and is playing a lot in a competitive environment.
For the Vietnamese team, the problem is not just winning a specific match but needing to maintain stability throughout the tournament.
The appearance of coach Federico Rampazzo opens up new expectations for Vietnamese men's volleyball, but change cannot come immediately. SEA V.League 2026 is therefore considered the first test for the reform process.
If the Vietnamese team plays more organizedly, serves more effectively, takes a more stable first step and reduces individual errors, that will be a positive sign.
The current list of 17 players shows that the coaching staff still has space to adjust before each stage. The selection of 14 official names will depend on form, physical condition and suitability with Mr. Rampazzo's tactical intentions. This is also the time for each player to prove their ability.
The goal of reaching the final of SEA V.League 2026 is a big challenge, but also a necessary statement for Vietnamese men's volleyball.
After many years of not creating a clear turning point, the team needs a tournament good enough to regain confidence and open a new cycle. The tournament is also a place to verify whether Vietnamese men's volleyball is ready to return to the Southeast Asian top group race or not.
