Italian media has already spotlighted one of the most interesting stories for next season in the SuperLega "," the possibility of Alex and Simeon Nikolov playing side-by-side for Cucine Lube Civitanova. In an extensive article by "Cronache Maceratesi," the club from Marche is presented as a team that will "restart" precisely around the Nikolov brothers after losing the championship final against Perugia.
According to the publication, General Director Giuseppe Cormio and coach Giampaolo Medei are already actively working on the selection for the new season, and one of their central decisions is to build the new project around Alex Nikolov "," described in the article as "the SuperLega's best scorer."
Simeon Nikolov takes on the role of the new conductor.
The Italians write that Lube is preparing a change at the setter position. Mattia Boninfante is getting closer to a transfer to Russian Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Simeon Nikolov is expected to arrive in Civitanova in his place. The article emphasizes that this will be a kind of "relay" between the two young setters.
The media notes that Lube sees Moni Nikolov as a long-term solution for game organization and a natural partner for his older brother Alex, around whom the club wants to continue developing its team.
For the Bulgarian setter, this would also be a new stage in his career, having already made an impression with his performance in the national team and with his transfer to Russian Lokomotiv Novosibirsk, where he worked under the guidance of Plamen Konstantinov and Andrey Zhekov.
Alex Nikolov: "I'm here to win."
In the publication, Alex Nikolov also reflects on his season with Lube. The Bulgarian international admits he is pleased with his consistency throughout the season, but not fully satisfied due to the lost final against Perugia.
"I'm here to win, and if we don't win, I'm not happy," Nikolov tells the Italian publication.
He further emphasizes that the team has shown a high level throughout the year, and qualifying for the Champions League is a serious motivation for next season.
The Italians also draw attention to the maturity in the Bulgarian's statements, as he admits that it was Perugia's experience and consistency that tipped the scales in the final series.
Lube continues to build a young team.
According to "Cronache Maceratesi," the club's policy remains clear "," youth rejuvenation and talent development. Besides the Nikolov brothers, Mateusz Łopacki, Gianluca Gargiulo, and Mattia Bottolo are also named as key figures for next season.
The article also mentions potential new additions Francesco Zoppellari and middle blocker Alberto Polo, as well as interest in Ukrainian talent Maksym Tonkonoh.
A Bulgarian connection in one of Italy's giants.
If Simeon Nikolov's transfer is finalized, Lube will have one of the most intriguing Bulgarian presences in European club volleyball. For the first time, the two brothers could find themselves together in a top-tier club like Civitanova.
Italian media already clearly shows that Civitanova views Alex and Simeon not just as talented Bulgarians, but as the foundation of the club's future project.
