Julio Velasco currently serves as the head coach of the Italy women's national volleyball team, an appointment that culminated in gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2025 World Championship. His career spans decades of international competition, marking him as the only coach to secure World Championship titles in both men's and women's categories.
Early Career and Argentine Beginnings
Born in La Plata in 1952, Velasco began his journey in the sport as a player at the age of 15 for the National University of La Plata Club. His transition to coaching began in his home country, though his early adult life was shaped by political upheaval. Following the 1976 Argentine coup d'état, he lived in semi-clandestinity due to previous political involvement as a student and militant, eventually moving to Buenos Aires to find coaching work. He won four Argentine championships with Ferro between 1979 and 1982.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Ascension in Italian Volleyball
Velasco moved to Italy in 1983 to coach Tre Valli Jesi, staying until 1985 before joining Panini Modena. Under his direction, Modena won four consecutive Italian national championships from 1986 to 1989. In 1989, he became the head coach of the Italy men's national team. His debut international triumph arrived at the 1989 Men's European Volleyball Championship in Sweden. He subsequently guided the squad to gold at the 1990 FIVB Men's World Championship in Brazil, defeating Cuba in the final.
Global Coaching Tenure
His career includes stints across several national programs and club administrations. He coached the Czech Republic men's team in 2001 and managed the Spain men's team starting in 2008, leading them to European Volleyball League finals. In 2011, he took the helm of the Iran men's national team, securing two Asian Championships before returning to Argentina in 2014 to lead the men's national side to a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games.
Administrative and Management Roles
Beyond the court, Velasco held administrative positions in professional football. During the 1998–99 season, he acted as General Director for the Italian club S.S. Lazio. In 2000, he transitioned to a role at Inter Milan. His expertise in team management drew the attention of high-profile peers, including football coach Pep Guardiola, who sought out Velasco to learn from his methodology.
Fast facts
- Born: 9 February 1952, La Plata, Argentina
- International Hall of Fame induction: 2005
- Men's World Championship titles as coach: 1990, 1994
- Olympic medals won: 1 Gold (2024), 1 Silver (1996)
- Clubs coached include: Panini Modena, Copra Piacenza, S.S. Lazio
- Asian Championship titles: 2011, 2013
- CEV Lifetime Achievement Award: 2022
Questions readers ask
Has Julio Velasco coached both men's and women's teams?
Yes. He has coached men's national teams for Italy, the Czech Republic, Spain, Iran, and Argentina, and women's national teams for Italy.
What is his connection to the 2025 World Championship?
He served as the head coach of the Italy women's national volleyball team, leading them to victory at the 2025 World Championship.
