Manuel Zlatanov is Under 17 European champion with Italy. The young spiker of Gas Sales Bluenergy Volley Piacenza was an important protagonist of the final won by the Azzurri over Bulgaria 3-1 (23-25, 19-25, 20-25). Entering the court after a few exchanges in the first set, Manuel never left the court and celebrated the title in front of his father Hristo and mother Chiara Grasso in Podgorica, Montenegro, to support Monica Cresta’s team.
Clear path for the Azzurrini in Montenegrin soil: after winning their group without any defeat, in the semifinal they beat Belgium 3-0 (25-12, 25-20, 25-19) with Manuel Zlatanov scoring 7 points and then in the final he overcame the formidable Bulgaria with the young red and white scorer of 9 points.
Monica Cresta (head coach): “I’m happy with this success that comes at the end of two years of work. I am happy for every single boy who has been part of this national team, both for those who are here right now and for those who have worked with us during the preparation. And I’m happy for the movement and for the clubs. I have to thank my staff who have always been close to me and supported me, a dutiful thanks to the Federation who supported us on the way towards this goal, and thanks also to the technical director Julio Velasco for these four years who have worked with us ” .
The 14 Azzurrini gold at the men’s under-17 European Championships
Setters: Simone Porro and Bryan Argilagos
Opposites: Gianluca Cremoni and Raffaele Colaci
Spikers: Simone Bertoncello, Nicolò Garello, Manuel Zlatanov and Davide Boschini
Middle blockers: Alessandro Benacchio, Lorenzo Ciampi, Andrea Ruzza and Nicola Zara
Libero: Andrea Giani and Andrea Usanza
