Even before the start of the preparatory period, significant changes occurred in the squad of Norwid Częstochowa. After the club parted ways with French talent Amir Tizi-Oualou, who was acquired by Modena Volley, it was time for a big transfer. Argentine star Luciano De Cecco was officially presented as the new setter for the Częstochowa team.
From ambition to stability
The management of Norwid Częstochowa demonstrated ambition, but also consistency after the successful 2024/2025 season.
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Sets (won-lost) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Steam Hemarpol Norwid Częstochowa | 30 | 16 | 14 | 60‑59 | 46 |
Although the main goal was to focus on young talents, the quick loss of Tizi-Oualou necessitated an urgent reaction. This led to the acquisition of one of the most established setters in modern volleyball - Luciano De Cecco.
| Season | Name | Nationality | Outgoing/Incoming | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 | Amir Tizi-Oualou | France | Outgoing | Transfer to Modena Volley |
| 2025/2026 | Luciano De Cecco | Argentina | Incoming | Free agent |
"I came to Norwid because I see a great chance and a challenge here. I want to help the team develop and win matches. The Polish league is a very competitive environment, and the fans add incredible energy - I can't wait to play in front of them," the Argentine told the club's media.
A career full of accolades
Luciano De Cecco is a player with a rich resume. His career began in his homeland with Club Atlético Gimnasia y Esgrima, passed through Italian and Russian clubs, and since 2011/2012 he has invariably played in Serie A1. He became a three-time Italian champion (2018, 2021, 2022), has four Italian Cups, two Supercups, and numerous individual awards as best setter.
In 2013, he won the Challenge Cup with Copra Elior Piacenza, where he was named MVP of the finals. He also has silver and bronze from the Champions League. With the Argentine national team, he won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, where he was again a key figure.
Partnership with Kowalski and a look towards the top
In Norwid Częstochowa, De Cecco will partner with Tomasz Kowalski, forming one of the most experienced setter duos in PlusLiga. The club's management believes that the Argentine's presence will accelerate the progress of the young players in the squad, among whom the newly recruited Jakub Nowak stands out - one of the discoveries of the Polish national team.
photo: Nikolay Varadinov
