Bulgarian volleyball star named MVP in Italy

Aleksandar Nikolov, leader of Bulgaria’s national volleyball team, continues to impress with his outstanding form and was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Cucine Lube Civitanova’s 3–1 home victory over last season’s champions, Trentino (25–23, 25–23, 22–25, 25–22).

The World Championship silver medalist finished with 29 points — 24 from attacks at a 53% success rate, 4 aces (the most in the match), and 1 block. Nikolov also sealed the win with a match-winning ace, CE Report quotes BTA.

After three rounds, Civitanova-Marche sits third in the standings with 7 points — two wins and one loss.

Martin Atanasov and Jasmin Velichkov also delivered strong performances in Monza’s 3–1 win over newcomers Cuneo (22–25, 25–20, 25–22, 27–25).

Atanasov was the top scorer with 20 points — 17 from attacks (46% success rate), 2 blocks, and 1 ace — and was named MVP.

Velichkov came off the bench in the first set and finished the match with 10 points (7 from attacks, 2 blocks, 1 ace). It was Monza’s first win of the season, moving the team up to eighth place with 3 points.

Meanwhile, Grottazzolina, featuring Georgi Tatarov and Iliya Petkov, suffered a 2–3 away defeat to Cisterna (22–25, 25–22, 21–25, 25–22, 13–15).

Tatarov scored 12 points (11 from attacks, 1 block), while Petkov added 3 points from attacks. Despite the loss, Grottazzolina earned its first point of the season but remains in last place (12th).

Middle blocker Boris Nachev did not play for Padua in their 0–3 defeat to leaders Perugia (15–25, 16–25, 21–25). Padua now sits 11th in the table with 2 points.