Ilia Petkov is officially a new addition to the Italian Vero Volley Monza for the 2026/2027 season. The news was confirmed by the club, which announced the signing of the Bulgarian international and middle blocker after his strong season in the Italian SuperLega with Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina.
We would like to remind you thatour media was the first to report at the beginning of the yearthat Petkov had reached an agreement with Monza and would continue his career in one of the leading Italian clubs. A few months later, the information has now been officially confirmed by the team's management.
The 29-year-old volleyball player was born on October 10, 1996, in Dobrich and is 202 centimeters tall. His career began at Dobrudzha 07, with whom he won the Bulgarian Cup in the 2016/2017 season.
He then moved to Neftochimic 2010 (Burgas), where he became one of the best middle blockers in the Bulgarian championship. With the Burgas team, he won three consecutive Bulgarian championship titles, two Bulgarian Cups, and three Supercups.
In the 2021/2022 season, Petkov took his first step abroad to French Saint-Quentin. A year later, he returned to Bulgaria with Hebar (Pazardzhik), with whom he won another Bulgarian Cup and Supercup.
This was followed by stints at Polish SKRA Bełchatów and French Toulouse, before making his debut in the Italian SuperLega with Grottazzolina in the 2025/2026 season.
At the national level, the middle blocker is an integral part of Bulgaria's national team. In the summer of 2025, he won a silver medal at the World Championship with the national team.
After the transfer announcement, Petkov did not hide his excitement:
"Vero Volley Monza is a club with an exceptional history and successes, built thanks to great athletes who have invested passion and dedication in the club's development. When I received the offer, there was no way I could miss such an opportunity. I am truly excited about what lies ahead for us."
Asked how he would describe himself in three words, the Bulgarian replied:
"Ambitious, positive, and disciplined. I believe these qualities are an important part of my character."
Petkov also sent a special message to Monza's fans:
"I hope the feeling is mutual when I say I can't wait to meet you in person. Now is the time for patience, to gather energy for the new season, and, I hope, to experience unforgettable moments together."
With the signing of the Bulgarian international, Monza continues to build its squad for the new season, and for Petkov, a new challenge awaits in one of the most competitive championships in the world.
