The new Lube’s player, Mattia Gottardo got another international exploit! After the Under 21 world title won with the youth national team last year, yesterday (Sunday 17 July) the athlete from Veneto class 2001 climbed to the top of Europe with Italy Under 22, defeated France 3-1 in the surrender of the accounts and winning the continental review in Poland. A great success achieved in a memorable day for the tricolor volleyball. At the same time, Italy U18 won the European Championship in the Final with France (3-0), the coup of the Juniors female selection, which put its first VNL on the bulletin board, beating Brazil 3-0, and the Azzurrine’s achievement at the Under 21 European Championships in the Grand Final with Serbia (3-2).
An unforgettable weekend for Italian volleyball, who do you dedicate the victory of the U22 European Championship to?
“I dedicate this great feat to my family who has always supported me and to my best friend Debe! Confidence grew from game to game! ”.
Last year you won the U21 World Cup, now Europe U22, a nice calling card before wearing the jersey of the Italian champions.
“Two different but difficult paths! In the Semifinal we suffered in both events, but we were good at imposing ourselves, while in the Groups the European Championship was more difficult. Then the exclusions of two athletes for Covid positivity did not facilitate the work. I look forward to the new adventure with Lube, but every success, however important, is a thing of the past after a few hours. I have to look forward! I’m going to Civitanova to give my best, improve myself and try to win new titles! ”.
You will find three young and talented ward mates! Did you expect it?
“On the one hand, I would have liked to play with Juantorena for at least a year, but it must be said that in addition to my friend Mattia Bottolo, European champion athlete with the senior national team, I will have other high-quality teammates by my side such as Marlon Yant, who in the he last tournament showed what he’s made of, and Alex Nikolov, whom I’ve known for a long time and who I’m happy to have on my side of the pitch starting next season! ”.
The volley market is winding down, which rivals have moved better?
“Perugia has moved well by putting together an even more complete team, Piacenza has achieved the leap in quality by signing important shots, but La Lube has not been watching. As in previous seasons, Civitanova will fight as a great team against all opponents. Every year a thousand predictions are made, but then it’s always the pitch that speaks! In recent history we know how it ended! ”.
