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 a 45% attack efficiency. His strongest match was against Grottazzolina with 22 points, and against Milano, he earned an MVP award after 17 points. To this must be added nine matches with double-digit scores, 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 participation 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 camp in Samokov. It is there that he will also start a driving course, dictated by the realities in Italy.
“Overall, I am happy with what I showed. I also had weak matches, but from them, I try to learn lessons and improve my weak elements. I am very happy with the good matches – there was a positive emotion and a very good team,” Velichkov summarizes his season, also specially thanking the public 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 team's support helped me immensely.”
Interestingly, he himself does not pinpoint a specific element as leading in his game. “Perhaps the emotion – the fact that I manage to energize the team and the audience. 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 didn't feel well. It wasn't anything serious, but it was a difficult moment and it wasn't at the beginning. 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 am at the camp in Samokov.”
In the adaptation process, the presence of another Bulgarian on the team also played an important role. “When I signed, it wasn't certain that there would be another compatriot, but it turned out very well. Martin Atanasov helped me a lot.”

Next season will also have a Bulgarian line in Monza with the arrival of another of our national players - Iliya Petkov. “I am very happy that there will be another Bulgarian again,” Velichkov shared, confirming once again the news, which was firstvolleyweek.bgreported. It's always nice to speak in your native language. But that was also the reason I didn't make much progress with Italian (laughs). Italian is progressing slowly. In the team, we speak English, so the language remains a bit in the background. But I believe I will improve it.”

In the conversation, Velichkov also commented on his teammate Frasho, who is part of the team's young generation and part of the extended Squadra Azzurra squad. “Frasho 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 about the Italian's position in Monza – whether he will play as an opposite or 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. “Mitko Dobrev is younger than me; I am the second youngest. It's entirely possible that we will play together.”
Expectations for the summer are high. “I hope for a good European Championship, both for U22 and the men's team. We have good teams; what's important is the team spirit and work.”
At the club level, the ambition is for improvement. “I hope for a better next season with Monza. I believe I will have a more significant role. The squad composition remains to be clarified – whether an outside hitter or opposite will be sought, because with Frasho there is 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 by the fans.”
After the short break, a long and busy summer follows. And for Zhasmin Velichkov – after his first good season in Italy, this seems like the natural continuation.

Photos: legavolley.it and Nikolay Varadinov