The arrival of Stipe Perić, the Croatian national born in 1997 who completes the middle blockers department already made up of Giampietri, Pecoraro and Romagnoli, has been made official. The left-handed middle blocker, originally from Kaštela, a city on the central Dalmatian coast between Trogir and Split, attacked his first ball at the age of 15 and in less than 5 seasons he came to wear the shirt of Mladost Ribola Kaštela, one of the top teams of the Croatian top league. Since 2018 he has also steadily won a place in the senior national team
Right from the start, the Croatian 3rd place is keen to deny the atavistic prejudice concerning left-handed central players: “Those who know volleyball well say that it is more difficult to play in the center attacking with a left foot. Personally I did not find any difficulties: with a little work to find the right understanding with the setter, I have always managed to have good results in attack and take advantage of my peculiarity – comments Perić – I hope to be able to express myself better even with my new ones. companions”.
The 204 cm giant arrives in Pavia for his first experience in Italy, after a season with Deya Volley, a club in the Bulgarian top flight: “For any volleyball player to be able to play in the Italian League is a real dream, being the Best league in the world – comments the new signing – I am truly honored to be able to play in Italy. In the national team there are some teammates who have played or still play in Italy and have always spoken highly of the environment, the level of play and professionalism. I therefore expect a championship with many competitive and high-level teams: in Croatia there are 3 or 4 high-level teams, while in Italy there is quality and professionalism throughout the A3 “.
Waiting to see him soon in Garlasco, that of the Croatian center is a long summer with the national team: “Actually my season is not over yet, I haven’t stopped since last summer – confesses Perić – after the season with the club I have started training with the national team for the Mediterranean Games, in which we won gold, and for the European Golden League, in which we stopped at the bronze. We are now committed to another great goal of these three months of work: qualification for the European Championships in 2023. Like every player, I am proud to be part of the national team, it is a real recognition for the sacrifices and efforts made and is a spur to always give the best in the following season “.
