The new setter of the Cucine Lube Civitanova tells his story. In recent days, shortly before joining the U22 national team at the Cavanese retreat, Mattia Boninfante gave himself a first back-and-forth as a red and white player in which he explored his love for volleyball, his admiration for his new team and the ambitions for the future, already demonstrating rare wisdom for 2004.
Volleyball is in your blood in your family.
Boninfante: “I am the son of two volleyball players, the passion for this discipline was spontaneous. Nobody ever forced me, to the point that in elementary school I devoted myself to football. After a year and a half I found my way on my own.”
Is there a particular player who inspires you?
“I have always admired Bruno, being fascinated by his style, since his first cycle in Modena and then at Lube, and applauding him for his victories. Last season I was also lucky enough to play with him in the department. Knowing him well and sharing the year in the gym helped me grow.”
So did you follow Lube which has racked up trophies over the years?
“For a young person to see such a dominant team on the Italian scene and a protagonist in international volleyball is a lot. I consider myself privileged to have played with former Lube champions such as Bruno, Juantorena and Stankovic. They told me anecdotes and victories in red and white!”.
What did the former Lube members tell you when they learned of your move?
“Jokes and nice conversations came out. They gave me tips about the city, especially Osmany, since the family still lives in Civitanova.”
Is there a first goal that stimulates you?
“I want Lube to reach the Final Four of the Italian Cup and, at the same time, I dream of a great journey in the Challenge Cup, an event that fascinates me like any international tournament. The level of the Super League is high, but we will fight!”.
What has been the highest point in this first part of your career so far?
“The greatest satisfaction dates back to 2022 and is the victory of the U20 European Championship. In the summer in which all the Italian national teams had climbed to the top step of the podium, we were the last to compete for gold, at the end of September. Putting the icing on a magical year for Italian volleyball was very beautiful and engaging, at the end of a long, difficult and unexpected journey!”.
