Ebadipour ‘not expecting’ call-up from Iran coach Piazza
Iranian outside hitter Milad Ebadipour says he is “not expecting” a call-up from national team head coach Roberto Piazza ahead of a busy 2026 international calendar.
The 32-year-old, a two-time Asian Games gold medalist and double Asian champion with Team Melli, last represented Iran under then-caretaker coach Peyman Akbari during the preliminary round of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), where Iran finished second from bottom in the 16-team standings and failed to reach the Finals.
Speaking to Varzesh3, Ebadipour – who plays for KS Norwid Częstochowa in Poland’s PlusLiga – said he recently met Piazza during the Italian coach’s visit to Poland. However, he stressed that their brief conversation “had nothing to do with a possible return to the Iranian team” and instead focused on changes Piazza is considering within his national team coaching staff.
“I don’t really expect Piazza to call me up,” said Ebadipour, who made his senior international debut in 2014.
“I think Piazza wants to continue with the same squad from 2025. The issue of confidence comes into play – he wouldn’t want it to be perceived that he doesn’t trust his current team, nor would he want to appear to be turning back to more experienced players. That’s why I believe he will stick with the same group from last year.”
Despite his doubts over a recall, Ebadipour reaffirmed his commitment to the national side. “I have always been, and will always be, a soldier of the national team. Whenever I am needed, I will be at the service of the team,” he said.
Piazza, who was appointed to the role in January last year, guided Iran to an eighth-place finish in the VNL preliminary round with six wins from 12 matches. However, the team narrowly missed out on the Finals after China advanced to the quarterfinals as host nation despite finishing second from bottom.
Momentum from several encouraging VNL performances carried into September’s World Championship in the Philippines, where Iran reached the quarterfinals before falling 3-1 to surprise package Czechia.
Iran will look to build on a promising first year under Piazza by securing its first VNL quarterfinal berth in four years when it opens its campaign against South American powerhouse Brazil on June 10.
A congested international schedule will also see Iran compete at the Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship, which begins on September 4 in Fukuoka, Japan. Iran will be targeting a fifth title in eight editions.
Beyond continental glory, additional incentive awaits in Fukuoka: The tournament winner will secure an Olympic quota place for the men’s volleyball competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Games — added motivation after Iran’s defeat to Japan in the 2023 final on home soil.
Another potential showdown between Iran and Japan could follow at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, which begin on September 19, where Piazza’s side will be chasing a fourth consecutive men’s gold medal.