Allianz Milano has chosen its second setter, Paolo Porro’s deputy will be Nicola Zonta, from Friuli, born in 2000, 186 centimeters tall, returning from an exciting season in the Vigilar Fano jersey. The youngster from Tolmezzo already boasts triple experience in the cadet series (Club Italia, Bergamo and Castellana Grotte) and an important curriculum in the youth sector: in 2017-18 he was the under-19 Italian champion with Segrate, always the best setter in the under-18 finals with Segrate and in 2019 he won a silver medal with the national team at the Bahrain World Cup. Here is his first interview as an Allianz Milano player.
Hi Nicola, welcome to Milan. Or perhaps we should say welcome back, given that after your experience in Cuneo at a very young age you spent two years in Serie B nearby, in Segrate, an experience that then launched you into the A2 Club Italia. What memories do you have of those seasons in Milan crowned by the youth championship and the trophy for best U18 setter?
I certainly have very positive memories of those two seasons in Segrate, not only for the successes at youth level, but also for the growth as a player both on a technical and character level.
After three years in A2, you moved to Fano in A3 with coach Maurizio Castellano, where you completed your growth and led the team to first place in the regular season. What did you miss to cross the finish line of the promotion?
It was a fantastic season this last one, even though we didn’t manage to reach promotion. I think that in the playoff phase we lacked a bit of clarity in certain situations in the decisive matches where the details make the difference but I am still proud of the season we had.
Now the double big leap to Superlega, how are you living this long eve?
Landing in the Superlega championship is a dream for me, it’s one of the best championships in the world where many champions play, I can’t wait to get started.
Have you already had the opportunity to talk or meet coach Roberto Piazza?
We spoke on the phone, it will certainly be a pleasure to work with him, his palmares and his career speak for themselves. I’m sure it will help me a lot to grow.
