Cosimo Balestra, born in 2003, is an authentic talent from Taranto who is preparing to bring his determination and skills to Gioiella Prisma Taranto. A central player with great prospects, Balestra is a pure product of the Apulian volleyball school, with a curriculum that speaks for itself.
His career took a decisive turn in 2018 when, with the Puglia regional selection, he took second place at the Regions Trophy. The following year, in 2019, again with the Puglia regional selection, he reached the top, winning the Regions Trophy and receiving the award as the best central defender of the tournament. A result obtained alongside another talent, Paglialunga.
2022 was a memorable year for Balestra, who triumphed in the national junior championship with Materdomini. On that occasion, his performance once again earned him the recognition of best central defender, demonstrating enviable consistency and quality of play.
In 2022/23 he achieved an extraordinary feat with Tonno Callipo Vibo Valentia, winning the treble: championship, Italian Cup and Super Cup. A year to remember, before moving to Castellana Grotte for the last season that has just ended.
At international level, Balestra has proudly worn the shirt of the Italian national team, contributing to the conquest of the European title in 2020 with the Under 18s and replicating the feat in 2022 with the Under 20s.
Now, Cosimo Balestra is ready for a new challenge with Gioiella Prisma Taranto, bringing with him a wealth of experiences and successes that promise to further enrich the team. The Taranto public can expect great things from this young homegrown talent, who continues to write important pages of Italian volleyball.
His words: “The Super League championship is the most competitive in the world and I think it is a very important stage to reach for every volleyball player, as well as a great reason to try to demonstrate the best. I agreed to play in Taranto because I believe it is a very valid project and I am sure of the extreme professionalism of the staff and my teammates.”
“We welcomed with pleasure the possibility that Mino Balestra could be part of our team – declares Vice President Zelatore – not only for his great technical and human skills and his professionalism but also for enhancing the talents that are part of our territory, of our city and region”.
