(Laerte Salvini for iVolleymagazine.it) With the lightness of someone who trusts in his own abilities and the determination of a champion inherent in his DNA, Mattia Boninfante quickly climbed the various steps that will lead him to wear the colors of Civitanova next season with a leading role. In between there is a summer in the blue jersey, with the under 22 European Championship being tempting, for those who, like Dante’s son, Olympic medalist in London 2012, have already won 4 continental golds and a silver with the blue youth jersey iridescent.
THE NATIONAL GROUP – “In the various training camps with the national team I experienced many beautiful moments – the setter says from the Trentino area – I think of the days spent in Cervia in 2022 where we had a lot of fun as a group, in what was the longest summer lived in blue. Even here in Cavalese the climate is serene, unlike the Super League here we are all of a similar age and I have shared this experience with many kids for several years. There is obviously competition between us, but since we are just starting out, we are all picking up the pace of the game to refine our understanding with our teammates, given that we haven’t been on the pitch together for a year.”
FRIENDS – Of the winning group of the 2022 European Under 20 Championships, Bovolenta (last summer) and Porro (these days with VNL) made their debut in the senior group: “I’m very happy for them, before being teammates they are great friends. We have known each other with Bovolenta since we were children and over time a special relationship has been created. With Luca (Porro ed.) we played for the national team together for five years, in the two years in Prata we shared everything. Facing the most prestigious competitions in the youth national teams allows you to taste the tournaments of the greats. I still have to improve on many aspects to get to that level, but I know that the call to the senior national team will only come through work.”
CIVITANOVA – “I’m not thinking about it yet since the championship is still far away. Wearing the Lube shirt is an honor and also a responsibility. I really liked the project that the team started, with the inclusion of other young people that I already had the opportunity to get to know. I’m sure we will be able to get our satisfaction. I’m very happy to be able to meet my father (Dante, Taranto’s new coach ed.) in the championship. In the family we sometimes joke about who will win. It will definitely be a difficult challenge because he has trained me for two years and he knows me, but it will undoubtedly be exciting.”
GROWTH – “In Modena I learned a lot, in a young group that had the opportunity to compete with champions like Juantorena, Stankovic and Bruno. They are all three great people who helped a lot. Upon my arrival they immediately welcomed me and conveyed their closeness. In particular, being with Bruno, who shares my role, made me understand how to help my teammates and how to be in a group like this.
Now with the under 22s I try to be a point of reference, to be able to lend a hand to the group, even if it’s not easy in these competitions because the level is high. I hope the experience gained in this type of tournament can be of help in approaching these matches in the best possible way.”
