Simeon Nikolov was officially presented as the new setter for Cucine Lube Civitanova, and the interest in the event showed even before the start of the season how high the expectations are for the Bulgarian national player. The presentation took place at the Arturo Mare beach complex and gathered dozens of journalists and fans, including people who had traveled specially from Monza, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Rome to see Moni up close. The event was broadcast live on Lube's YouTube channel, and the club's president, Simona Sileoni, extended a special greeting to the numerous Bulgarian supporters who were following online. At the very beginning, the host admitted that he rarely remembered such a large audience at the presentation of a new player, which, in his opinion, is the best proof of how much interest Nikolov's signing generates.
President Simona Sileoni revealed that the transfer of the Bulgarian is the result of a long-term strategy, not a momentary decision. She recalled that back in 2022, Nikolov had an internship in Civitanova thanks to the partnership between Lube and Levski Sofia for the development of young talents. "We started this project back then. Today, he is taking his next big step, and it is a true satisfaction for us to be part of the development of a player with such potential. He comes to Lube to build his own name, and we believe that his successes will also become successes for the club," Sileoni stated. She emphasized that Lube continues to build a young but extremely high-quality squad and that Nikolov is one of the most desired young volleyball players in the world.
Vice President Massimo Giulianelli also outlined the club's ambitions. "At Lube, we are never satisfied with just participating. We have assembled a top-level squad, and after so many finals, it's time to win trophies again," he stated.
Even more impressive were the words of the legendary manager Albino Massaccesi, who admitted that in more than three decades at the club, he had not seen such interest in the presentation of a new volleyball player. "Although he is only 19 years old, Moni already has impressive achievements behind him, and we believe that his biggest victories are yet to come. At Lube, we build teams with only one goal - to win," said Massaccesi.
Sports director Marco Podraščanin also did not hide how high the club's hopes are for the young Bulgarian. "A few months ago, we promised that we would seriously strengthen the team, and Moni is one of the most important parts of this project. We are giving a great responsibility to a player who is only 19 years old, but we are convinced that he possesses the necessary maturity and all the qualities to become one of Lube's iconic figures," Podraščanin stated.
Simeon Nikolov himself also made a strong impression, speaking almost entirely in Italian, despite having arrived in Italy only that same morning. "It is a great honor for me to be here. I am happy to play for a club with such a great history. Thank you for all the kind words. I can't wait to start working, to put on the Lube jersey, and together with our fans, to win matches and trophies," said the Bulgarian national player.
When asked what his brother Aleksandar Nikolov had told him about Civitanova, Moni replied that he had heard only positive things. "Alex only told me good things about the city, the club, and the fans. I have been here two or three times and I know what kind of atmosphere awaits me. I can't wait for the season to start," said the setter.
Asked what goals he sets for himself at his new club, Nikolov was categorical. "I chose Lube because I want to win. I know it won't be easy, but I want to grow even more as a volleyball player and at the same time help the team win trophies. I am convinced that we can achieve great things," he stated.
The young national player also spoke frankly about the elements he believes he needs to work on the most. "If I have to point out something specific, it's the accuracy of the setting. If I improve this component further, I will take a big step forward. The other thing is concentration. It's not easy to stay maximally concentrated throughout the match, but I am convinced that with the help of the coach and the entire staff, I will improve in this regard as well," Nikolov admitted.
Head coach Giampaolo Medei explained what distinguishes the Bulgarian from other setters. According to him, Nikolov is an atypical player, capable of doing things on the court that few can. "He is a volleyball player who brings spectacle. The fact that he is so dangerous in attack will give our team another tactical weapon. At the same time, we will not rush him. He will get the necessary time to get used to the new environment and gradually unleash his enormous potential," Medei emphasized.
One of the most emotional moments during the presentation occurred when a young fan asked Moni what advice he would give to children who dream of reaching professional volleyball. The Bulgarian quoted the most important lesson he received from his father, Vladimir Nikolov. "He always tells me the same thing - work so that when you go to bed at night, you know that you have given absolutely everything of yourself that day. If you can honestly tell yourself that, you will sleep peacefully. The next day you get up and do the same," the setter revealed.

The presentation ended with a long meeting with fans, dozens of photos and autographs, and everything that happened in Civitanova showed one thing - even before playing his first official match for Lube, 19-year-old Simeon Nikolov is already among the most anticipated and discussed figures in the Italian SuperLega.