The hero of "Squadra Azzurra", who encouraged our libero Damyan Kolev, is retiring from the national team.

"This gold medal I wear around my neck is a medal, but my greatest medal is you, my teammates!" With these words, Simone Anzani began his speech, with which he officially bid farewell to the national team. During the dinner held in Manila after the World Championship final, the Italian world champion delivered a long, emotional, and moving message addressed to his national teammates, with whom he spent ten long and emotionally rich years.

The middle blocker, born in Como on February 24, 1992, who has worn the blue jersey a total of 211 times, has won during his long and brilliant career a silver medal at the World Cup in 2015, bronze at the European Championship in the same year, which took place in Sofia, gold at EuroVolley in 2021, gold at the World Championship in 2022, silver in the Nations League in 2025, and finally gold at the World Championship in 2025.

Simone Anzani, who, along with all the 'Azzurri' players returning from the World Championship in the Philippines, was triumphantly welcomed with open applause upon his arrival at Fiumicino Airport, also received the emotional embrace of millions of fans throughout Italy, who followed the feats of the champion who always fought both on and off the court.

Part of the words of the great Simone Anzani, thanks to the Italian volleyball dailyivolleymagazine.net:

"I want to thank each and every one of you. You all know that I had two difficult years because I didn't know if I would still be able to be with you, if I would still be able to do what I love: play volleyball. You know my biggest goal was to participate in the Olympic Games, and now, after this World Championship, the time has come for me to stop wearing this jersey because I owe time to my family and to all the people who have sacrificed for me. I owe it to my daughters, who have been without their father so many times. With the national team, I experienced so many joys, like today, but also pain after some losses. I want to thank all of you: the coach, the entire staff, the president, and the entire federation, who have always been by my side!"
Anzani showed a great gesture of sportsmanship and humanity after the final match of the World Championship in the Philippines on Sunday, after comforting and wiping away the tears from the eyes of the young Bulgarian volleyball player Damyan Kolev.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov and internet