Fabio Balaso remains captain of Cucine Lube (Civitanova) for the new season. Head coach Giampaolo Medei confirmed the libero in this role, and chose outside hitter Mattia Bottolo as his deputy.
The decision comes before the team's start in the Italian SuperLega. Lube visits Rana (Verona) on Saturday, October 17, at 7:00 PM Bulgarian time in the "PalaOlimpia" hall.
Bottolo accepted the new responsibility with pride, prioritizing team unity.
"I probably receive this privilege because I've been here for several years. I will try my best to support the entire team and Fabio Balaso, who is Lube's captain and veteran. Regardless of roles and hierarchy, the collective is what truly matters in this team, and it will be our strength. Each of us must take on our responsibility for everything to go in the best possible way," said the outside hitter.
The first test is against an opponent with whom Lube has fought high-stakes battles in recent years.
"The debut in Verona will be difficult. We are used to facing this team in matches for big goals. Meeting them at the very beginning of the championship is unusual compared to recent years. The match is important from a psychological point of view, because we want to start successfully and we are looking forward to the first whistle in 'PalaOlimpia'!" added Bottolo.