He “waited a bit before publishing, because finding the words to tell such a big emotion is not easy. Well, I haven’t found them yet, but perhaps the sense of sport, the real one, is right here. It makes us experience emotions that you cannot express. I am proud, happy and grateful. And if the hands are still a little trembling while I write this post, it is certainly not the belief of being part of an exceptional group. We are still world champions. Thank you”.
It is through these few, but intense words that Daniele Lavia, Calabrian crusher (born in Cariati, but raised in Corigliano Rossano) of the Italian volleyball national team, wanted to cheer for the splendid victory obtained by the Azzurri capable of beating Bulgaria di Blengini (3-1) and climbing the roof of the world for the second consecutive time by winning the World Cup in the Filippines.
Daniele lived difficult moments, in the last period, after the bad injury immediately in hand during the blue retreat in preparation for the world championship. At the end of August the hammer son of Calabria had to surrender to the brutal fatality: a weight of 15 kilos fell on his hand and literally “exploded” two fingers. A terrible dynamic of an accident that kept staff and companions apprehensive and that could have even more serious consequences. The images of Lavia, a guest in the studios of Raidue, in connection with the team after the victory, have gone around the world.
The dedication came from all the teammates who beat Bulgaria (3-1) in the final. Simone Giannelli put his shirt (15): “It is for you Dani”. The others also greeted him and kissed him at a distance. Yuri Romanò: «Dani you are beautiful”. Also the coach Fefé de Giorgi: «Dani was very good. Yesterday he called me and said: “Can I greet the team?”. He excited us. ” Moments that will remain impressed in the mind and heart of a boy in Calabria with kind ways and capable of release, on the pitch, energy and technique in the pure state.
In November he will turn 26, but he is already one of the veterans of a young and cheeky national team. At the age of 20, Lavia began her journey with the major national team called up by the then coach Blengini for the 2019 Nations League, for the decisive qualifying match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics against Serbia and the European championships. From there he took the reins of the crushing ward together with the other great champion, Michieletto (Mvp of the World Cup just in the archive). Then the triumph at the 2021 World Cup and now look at Los Angeles 2028 with the Olympic dream in the drawer.