Zhasmin Velichkov returned to Bulgaria after his first season in the Italian SuperLega with Monza – a campaign in which the 18-year-old outside hitter not only "joined" the team but left a real mark. In 30 matches and 75 sets, he scored 176 points (140 in attack, 12 aces, and 24 blocks), with 45% attack efficiency. His strongest match was against Grottazzolina with 22 points, and against Milano, he earned MVP recognition after scoring 17. To this, nine matches with double-digit scores should be added, as well as significant participation in reception – 276 received balls with 25.7% perfect reception, which for a player of his age in the SuperLega is indicative of trust and consistency.
For an 18-year-old player, this is a significant volume of participation in the SuperLega. The combination of stable attack and active involvement in reception shows that Velichkov was a real part of Monza's game model. Nine matches with double-digit scores also confirm his consistency.
The young national player's rest will be symbolic – just four days, after which on Sunday he will join the national team's training camp in Samokov. It is there that he will also begin a driving course, dictated by the realities in Italy.
"Overall, I am satisfied with what I showed. I also had weak matches, but from them, I try to learn lessons and improve my weaknesses. I am very happy with the good matches – there was a positive emotion and a very good team spirit," Velichkov summarizes his season, also specially thanking the audience in Monza.

One of the highlights is the MVP award against Milano. "I was very happy. We won a difficult match, although we kept it under control. The support from the team helped me tremendously."
Interestingly, he himself does not pinpoint a specific element as leading in his game. "Maybe the emotion – the fact that I manage to energize the team and the crowd. I try to keep all elements at a high level."
However, the season did not pass without difficulties – and they did not come at the beginning. "I had a period where I wasn't feeling well. It wasn't anything serious, but it was a difficult moment and it wasn't at the start. I'm glad I overcame it quickly." The reason is off the court: "Social life as a foreigner is harder, especially without a car. I am a social person and that affected me. That's why I will try to get a driver's license while I'm at the camp in Samokov."
The presence of another Bulgarian on the team also played an important role in his adaptation. "When I signed, it wasn't certain that there would be another compatriot, but it worked out very well. Martin Atanasov helped me a lot."

The next season will also feature a Bulgarian presence in Monza with the arrival of another of our national players – Iliya Petkov. "I am very happy that there will be a Bulgarian again," Velichkov shared, confirming once more the news that was first reported byvolleyweek.bgalways reported. It's always nice to speak in your native language. But that was also why I didn't make much progress with Italian (laughs). Italian is progressing slowly. We speak English on the team, so the language remains a bit in the background. But I believe I will improve it."

During the conversation, Velichkov also commented on his teammate Fracchio, who is part of the team's young generation and part of the "Squadra Azzurra" extended squad. "Fracchio is an exceptional player and a very close friend of mine. I wish him success and hope to see him at the European Championship in Portugal, and why not at the Euro 2026 finals in Italy." He adds that there is some uncertainty surrounding the Italian's position in Monza – whether he will play as an opposite hitter or an outside hitter, which is part of the squad building process.

The focus is now on the national team, where Velichkov will be among the youngest players. "Mitko Dobrev is younger than me; I am the second youngest. It's entirely possible we could play together."
Expectations for the summer are high. "I hope for a good European Championship, both for the U22 and men's teams. We have good teams; the team spirit and hard work are important."
On a club level, the ambition is to build upon. "I hope for a better next season with Monza. I believe I will have a more significant role. The squad still needs to be finalized – whether an outside hitter or an opposite hitter will be sought, as Fracchio offers versatility."
Velichkov also addressed the initial doubts surrounding his transfer. "I was lucky, but I also worked very hard. I'm glad I managed to show what I can do and establish myself. I feel accepted – both by the team and the fans."
After the short break, a long and busy summer follows. And for Zhasmin Velichkov – after a good first season in Italy, this seems like a natural continuation.

photos:legavolley.it and Nikolay Varadinov