Alex Nikolov is once again among the key figures of Cucine Lube Civitanova, but the Bulgarian international insists on emphasizing not personal statistics, but the change in the team and the collective strength with which the team emerged from a difficult psychological moment.

“We are coming out of a dark period and we did it as a team – we looked each other in the eyes and decided to change the way we react in difficult moments. The difference was visible in Verona.”

The Bulgarian shared this with the club's website. According to Nikolov, this change has allowed Lube to display very high-level volleyball and to return to the confidence that is characteristic of the club.

“My points? Boninfante deserves a huge amount of credit.”

Nikolov continues to be a main attacking force for Civitanova and is among the highest-scoring players in all of Italy, but he attributes a large part of his success to setter Mattia Boninfante.

“Scoring many points that are useful for the team, of course, makes me happy. But Lube's victories are the most important. And a large part of the credit for my points goes to Mattia Boninfante, who puts me in a position to be decisive.”

This partnership is becoming one of the key factors in Lube's rise in recent weeks.

Nikolov vs. Reggers – duel for the top scorer in Italy

In parallel with team goals, Alex Nikolov is also fighting an individual battle for the "top scorer" title in the first phase of the season.

Nikolov has a 5-point lead, but even more importantly, he achieved it in fewer sets. This means higher efficiency and consistency, placing him in an excellent position to finish as Italy's top scorer.

Lube looks to Europe: leader in the Champions League group

While the battle for a higher ranking in Italy remains open, Civitanova is in an excellent situation in the Champions League.

Two rounds before the end of Group E, Lube is in first place with a perfect record and a clear ambition to establish itself as one of the tournament favorites.

Decisive clashes await: Montpellier and Modena

Next week brings two matches of immense importance:

• Champions League: Montpellier – Lube
  (Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 21:00)

• SuperLega: Lube – Modena
  (Saturday, February 14, 2026, 19:00)

Nikolov is convinced that Lube is stronger than its opponents if they play "freely" and without pressure:

"We feel stronger than Montpellier and Modena when we play with a clear head. That's what we want to do next week."

"The mindset is more important than the standings"

The Bulgarian attacker emphasizes that the real goal is not just a place in the standings, but the right psychology before the playoffs.

"The most important thing is to reach the final phase of the season with the right mindset. That can make more of a difference than the standings. That way, we can potentially beat anyone!"

The Italian Cup remains in the past

Lube will not participate in the final phase of the tournament, but according to Nikolov, that is now a closed chapter:

"We cannot change the past, but we can prepare well for the future. We will use the weekend to train calmly and improve."

Conclusion: Lube enters the decisive moment with new confidence

Civitanova is a leader in Europe, in Italy they are looking for a final sprint, and Alex Nikolov is among the biggest stars of the championship.

But the most important message comes from the Bulgarian himself:

Lube is once again a team that plays with heart, confidence, and enjoyment – and that is exactly what can make them dangerous for any opponent in the decisive months of the season.

photos: legavolley.it