Italian giant Cucine Lube Civitanova officially confirmed the appointment of the legendary Serbian national Marko Podraščanin as the club's new sports director.
The news is not a surprise to the volleyball community, as it had been repeatedly announced in the media over the past month, including by us, but only now receives official confirmation from the Lube management.
Podraščanin succeeds long-serving club official Giuseppe Cormio as sports director, who over the last decade was one of the key figures in building Lube's successes both in Italy and on the European stage.
For the former middle blocker, born in 1987, a new and prestigious chapter begins in his professional journey. After an impressive career on the court, Podraščanin will make his debut in a managerial position, investing his accumulated experience, authority, and knowledge in the development of one of the most successful clubs in European volleyball.

Lube describes the appointment as a decision with strong sporting and symbolic significance. Podraščanin is one of the most recognizable figures in world volleyball, respected by both fans and specialists for his professionalism, leadership qualities, and attitude towards the game.
The Serb has a special connection with the club from Civitanova. Lube was the one who brought him to the Italian championship in 2007 when he was just 20 years old. The club's management then recognized the immense potential of the young middle blocker and gave him the opportunity to develop in one of the strongest volleyball environments in the world.
Over the years, Podraščanin became an emblematic figure for the "biancorossi," building a strong bond with both the club and the local community and supporters.
Now his path at Lube continues in a new role, but with the same sense of belonging to the club with which he has associated a large part of his remarkable career. His appointment is another sign that the Civitanova management relies on people who thoroughly know the club's philosophy and values to continue the fight for trophies at national and international levels.
It is curious that in the initial official announcement of Podraščanin's appointment, Beppe Cormio's name was not mentioned at all. In a subsequent statement, however, Massimo Giulianelli clarified that the Serbian legend "takes over the baton" from Stefano Recine and Beppe Cormio, thanking both for their contributions to the club's development. At the same time, Giulianelli emphasized the owners' desire to be "even closer to the processes at Lube Volley," which suggests that Podraščanin's appointment is part of a broader managerial change in the club after the end of Cormio's long era.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov