Italian volleyball guru Marco Bonitta, world champion with the women’s national team, guarantees for him. In addition, he is a great friend and former partner of Alessandro Bovolenta, one of the most flourishing talents on the international scene. There is no doubt: Simone Orto starts from references of the highest level. And now he’s ready to play a leading role in his first real experience in the world of adults: at Belluno Volleyball.
«I spent the last season in Ravenna – the libero said in his presentation via Zoom – in a historical square of this sport. I learned a lot of things there: from tactics to how much study there is behind a game. Before I played a more primitive volleyball, now it’s different». Orto has a key role: «A good free throw can be the pivot of the team. Also because he is the one who commands the second line. For my part, I will also try to bring the grit and enthusiasm of the South: essential characteristics to make the leap in quality». Born in 2004, originally from Catania, he has an Under 19 championship in his pocket and the title of best freestyle in the finals: «I chose Belluno on the advice of Marco Bonitta. Among the Dolomites I want to get involved».
General manager Franco Da Re also calls coach Bonitta into question: «Besides being a friend, he is someone who understands volleyball. And he gave us some really positive feedback on Simone: a libero who is perhaps more a receiver than a defender. And it’s better this way, if we consider that we don’t have pure receptors in pink. Furthermore, Simone is a guy who applies himself and has significant room for improvement». At the Spes Arena you will find a renewed collective: «Despite the changes of category and players – the team manager Riccardo Zanolli intervenes – healthy and close-knit groups have always been born here in Belluno. We on the staff have a responsibility to include everyone and to make the athletes feel at ease».
Volleyball is a priority, but Orto doesn’t lose sight of his studies: «I’m thinking of enrolling in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Bologna. At that point I would follow the online lessons». Lessons of a different nature, however, will be developed under the vaults of the Arena di Lambioi: «Over time I have learned to manage anxiety – continues the nineteen-year-old Sicilian -. Living far from my homeland doesn’t scare me. On the contrary, I have the opportunity to learn from more mature and competent people». Simone looks up, while keeping his feet on the ground: «Growth, personally and as a team, I put in first place. And the fact of landing in such a structured society gives me a lot of stimuli ».
