Simone Anzani has been ruled out of the Paris Olympics. The Italian Olympic Committee’s medical board announced the suspension of Anzani’s athletic activities on Friday, July 5th, citing the need for a reevaluation of his clinical condition.
Anzani underwent heart surgery last year after being diagnosed with an arrhythmia before the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). Although he was initially cleared for training for the European Championship, he had to miss the tournament to undergo the successful operation. Lorenzo Cortesia has been called up to replace Anzani in the Italian team.
“It’s a huge disappointment for all of us. Everything was going well, and we were working as planned. Anza is our vice-captain; we respect and love him and always feel his presence, just like last year when he couldn’t compete in the European Championship. However, health is paramount, and we must adhere to regulations. We are very sorry for him and wish him a speedy recovery,” said coach Ferdinando De Giorgi.
