If there’s one hot Italian player we should keep an eye on, Filippo Lanza is one of those players.
In a feature released by cev.lu, the 22 year old who currently plays for Italian club team Trentino Volley shares about his volleyball life and idols.
Discovered At The of 14…
“I played rugby first and I really liked it; it was a good way to let myself go after coming back from school. I started playing Volleyball because of my father and actually my first team was the one he was coaching. Some representatives of TRENTINO Volley scouted me as I was playing in a tournament with the team from my home region and since those early days I did not stop progressing. I decided to quit rugby and to focus exclusively on Volleyball for I somehow realized that this was an opportunity I could not miss.”
With Trentino Volley…
“Our goal is to make the Playoffs 12 and we hope to finish first in our Pool so that we can get a good draw for the next round. The matches we played so far testified that our team is competitive not only in Italy but also on the international stage. As we draw the line after three rounds, we can be happy with what we have achieved but we shall keep focused also for the matches ahead.”
“TRENTINO Volley is really like a second family for me, especially because I was very young when I first came here and have been playing for their teams in the youth and junior divisions. I have very close ties with all the people working here and with all those I meet every time I go to the sports hall. I owe a lot to this club and I am very grateful that they have showed that much trust in me as we embarked on the start of this new era.”
On Playing In the Champions League As A Starter…
“The CEV Volleyball Champions League stands apart because you are being confronted with teams from different countries and with a very heterogeneous background. Quite often we have to adjust our system of play to the opponent in order to win the game. However, I think that this also makes things more interesting because you have to learn to deal with teams whose main asset comes from their ability in defense rather than from physical power. I also have to stress that the quality of your serve really makes the difference in the Champions League. You get more chances to win if you serve strong and good.”
On Playing For Italy With Rising Star Luca Vettori…
“We do not feel any pressure as only a very few players are lucky enough to have the same opportunities and perspectives that we have. We have grown together and it is just amazing that we can be together in the senior national team. Luca and I are very close even beyond Volleyball; we are good friends and I hope this can help us achieve more and more success. I just hope I can develop and be the same outstanding spiker he is; this would be a good asset also for the future of our national team.”
His Idols…
“I have always been looking at players who share my same features, which means players who rely mostly on their technique rather than on their physical skills. So if I had to pick out a few names, I would mention Goran Vujevic, Giba, and Samuele Papi. They have always been a reference to look at for me.”
CEV’s Fair Play Campaign…
“When it comes to fair play, I think that Volleyball really stands apart. This is probably because there is no physical contact in our game and this helps create a spirit of fair play among those who are playing it. However, I always like to have a dialogue, a positive interaction with my opponents as well as with the referees. If you behave this way, I think that this adds more value to your achievements and success. I used to see things this way already by the time I played rugby but this has developed more and more after switching to Volleyball. I am very happy that CEV has decided to create this campaign. It takes to the spotlight one of the main features that our sport stands out for.”
Click HERE to read the full interview and get closer to know Lanza even more.
In case you didn’t know, Lanza’s first major appearance for the Italian National Team as a starter was at the 2013 Grand Champions Cup where he and his team won the bronze medal. Individually, he ranked as the tourney’s 4th best scorer, 3rd best spiker & 8th best server. He was also named as one of the tournament’s All Star Players.
That’s a pretty awesome performance!
Such a deep voice! LOL!
(images: FIVB/ Marco Trabalza)
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