Friulian by origin – from Treppo Grande, born in Majano – but citizen of the world: Matteo De Cecco is the first novelty officially unveiled by Da Rold Logistics Belluno. He will enrich the technical staff, taking on the role of second coach alongside coach Colussi, and boasts a wealth of experience that is worth opening up. And find out.

De Cecco is above all a man very close to his family: the father of two children (6-year-old Liam, 3-year-old Emma), he married a top-level sportswoman. And, specifically, a former footballer: the Swedish Maria Karlsson. Who, in the role of defender and midfielder, has played for England, France and Italy, as well as obviously for Sweden. At home she managed to win two championships and a cup. And he raised another cup (Italy) with the Brescia shirt.

In the meantime, Matteo archives a brilliant career as a spiker to embark on an even more radiant career as a coach: in the club (he is assistant in Latina, Verona and Milan) and at national level. As assistant to Andrea Giani (legend of blue volleyball and fresh winner of the Cev Cup at the helm of the Valsa Group Modena) he accomplished an authentic masterpiece, in 2015, winning the silver medal at the European Championships, after overcoming Italy in the semifinals by Giannelli, Juantorena and Zaytsev. And, two years later, history repeats itself: only on the Germany bench. Another European, again as the right arm of “Giangio”, and another silver medal. The gold vanishes only in the tie-break, in the very final against Russia, while in the semifinal the boys of Giani and De Cecco come back from 0-2 against Serbia. A business? Maybe something more.

The experience in Russia is also significant, where the next DRL deputy had a couple of exciting years at Dynamo. Taking over from another compatriot like Sergio Busato, De Cecco won everything he could win in Moscow. Then, the outbreak of war and the return to his homeland: in Piacenza, in the staff led by Lorenzo Bernardi. And now, a summer with the Slovenian national team and the new chapter from Belluno: the adventure continues.