Foxies tap prized Italian tactician

Farm Fresh is ushering in a new era in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) with the appointment of veteran international tactician Alessandro Lodi as its head coach — signaling Strong Group Athletics’ bold commitment to building a competitive volleyball program.

Lodi, whose coaching journey spans Europe, Asia, and North America, replaces Benson Bocboc, who served as interim head coach during the 2024–2025 All-Filipino Conference.

The young Farm Fresh squad finished 10th under Bocboc’s guidance, but expectations are climbing as the team enters a new chapter with the Italian mentor now at the helm.

With this transition, Bocboc will now fully focus on his duties with the University of the Philippines (UP) women’s volleyball team in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Lodi brings an impressive international résumé, having coached elite clubs and university teams in Switzerland, Poland, the United States, Sweden, Japan, and Germany.

Most recently, he led Dukla Liberec in the Czech Republic and previously served as assistant coach for the Finnish national team in 2017.

His upcoming PVL debut makes him the fourth active foreign head coach in the league, along with fellow Italian Ettore Guidetti of Nxled, and Japanese coaches Koji Tsuzurabara, reigning champion mentor of Petro Gazz, and Taka Minowa of Akari.

Joining Lodi in this new chapter is fellow Italian and renowned strength and conditioning coach Carlo Buzzichelli, who will oversee physical development not only for the Foxies but for all volleyball teams under the Strong Group Athletics umbrella, including ZUS Coffee.

“The arrival of Coach Alessandro Lodi as Farm Fresh’s new head coach, and Coach Carlo Buzzichelli as Strong Group’s new strength and conditioning head, marks a new chapter for our teams,” Farm Fresh team manager Kiara Cruz said.

“With Coach Fabio Menta already on board as our volleyball consultant, we’ve seen improvements across all SGA teams — from the pros to the collegiate level.”