Great satisfaction for the red and whites. Manuel Zlatanov, who will wear the jersey of Gas Sales Bluenergy Volley Piacenza for the next three seasons, was awarded the “Gianfranco Badiali” Award as the best Italian Under-23 player for the 2025-2026 Serie A2 season while playing for Consar Ravenna.
The Volleyball League announced the award, which also released the list of League Awards, including performance awards, based on statistics from last season’s Regular Season.
This recognition, awarded through a vote by the season’s clubs, represents a significant achievement for eighteen-year-old spiker Manuel Zlatanov.
Born in Piacenza in 2008, Manuel Zlatanov grew up in the red and white youth academy and has played in Ravenna in Serie A2 for the past two seasons, totaling 59 appearances and 38 wins, 618 points scored (496 of which were offensive), 52 aces, and 70 blocks. He received 208 receptions.
Manuel Zlatanov represents one of the most exciting prospects in the Italian volleyball scene. Born into a professional career, he is a complete spiker, boasting great elevation, powerful attack, and excellent second-string skills. He is the youngest ever debutant in the Superleague: on December 3, 2023, in the third set of the Piacenza-Verona match, he served for a turn, making his debut at the age of 15 years, 8 months, and 26 days.
