In anticipation of the 2023/24 competitive season, the Cucine Lube Civitanova players have revealed intriguing stories behind their choice of jersey numbers. These decisions, steered by varying factors including superstition, significant dates, family traditions, and homages to sporting heroes, were not taken lightly.
Notably, middle blocker Barthelemy Chinenyeze decided to change his number from 10 to his lucky number 1, made available following Gabi Garcia’s departure. Similarly, Scandinavian setter Jakob Thelle chose number 2, which has become his trademark following an ad hoc chorus, “Thelle on 2”, during his US stint.
Coming back to Civitanova, middle blocker Jacopo Larizza opted for 22, signifying his birth date, despite being tempted by the available 10, which was already claimed by Adis Lagumdzija. The 211 cm Lagumdzija, who won the European Golden League, elected the number worn by his mother, also a former basketball player.
Other notable choices include wing-spiker Mattia Bottolo choosing 21, the reverse of his father’s number 12 out of respect for the current holder, Enrico Diamantini. Newcomer Matheus Motzo selected 4, symbolizing his father’s birth date.
Veteran players, like libero Fabio Balaso with his lucky 7 and setter Luciano De Cecco retaining his iconic 15, stuck to their familiar numbers. Ivan Zaytsev continues with 9, one step ahead of his father’s 8. Simone Anzani’s 17 jersey, however, seems irreplaceable.
Marlon Yant, a fan favorite, dons the 23 jersey, a nod to basketball legend Michael Jordan, showcasing his love for NBA. New arrival Francesco Bisotto chose 6, popularized by LeBron James, but also a mark of respect for his mentor, former libero Daniele Vergnaghi.
Here are the Cucine Lube Civitanova jersey numbers for 2023/24:
1 Barthelemy CHINENYEZE
2 Jakob THELLE
4 Matheus MOTZO
6 Francesco BISOTTO
7 Fabio BALASO
9 Ivan ZAYTASEV
10 Adis LAGUMDZIJA
11 Alex NIKOLOV
12 Enrico DIAMANTINI
15 Luciano DE CECCO
17 Simone ANZANI
21 Mattia BOTTOLO
22 Jacopo LARIZZA
23 Marlon YANT
