Lube Civitanova, seven red-and-whites at World Cup

Seven Lube players at the World Cup

The first week of athletic preparation has come into full swing for Cucine Lube Civitanova, which is training on a reduced roster at the Eurosuole Forum. Seven athletes from the red and white roster are working with their respective national teams ahead of the 2022 World Cup, which kicks off on Friday, August 26, in Poland and Slovenia.

Dribbler Luciano De Cecco, Lube’s captain, will lead his Argentina team in the hunt for another exploit after the Olympic bronze medal, while setter Aleksandar Nikolov will try to drag his Bulgaria over every obstacle. Setter Marlon Yant is working to return to top form and make his mark at the rainbow event. After the Olympic title and triumph at the VNL, center Barthelemy Chinenyeze looks ahead and seeks another top-level feat.

Also scurrying in the ramp up to the world’s roof are Lube’s three Azzurri, middle blocker Simone Anzani, libero Fabio Balaso and setter Mattia Bottolo, who after their success at the European Championships and a close podium finish at the VNL want to take Italy to play for the title with the world’s strongest teams.

The rounds of the red-and-white sevens

Italy’s Simone Anzani, Fabio Balaso and Mattia Bottolo are in Pool E in Ljubljana with Canada China and Turkey.

Luciano De Cecco’s Argentina is in Pool F with Egypt, Iran and the Netherlands.

Aleksandar Nikolov’s Bulgaria is in Pool C with Mexico, Poland and the USA.

Marlon Yant’s Cuban selection is in Pool B with Brazil, Japan and Qatar.

Barthelemy Chinenyeze’s France is in Pool D with Cameroon, Germany and Slovenia.