He is the blue Zar, the male symbol of Italvolley. Sport is in his DNA: his mother, Irina, was a swimming champion, while his father, Vjaceslav, won everything in volleyball. Last season he played in Russia (with a brief period in Qatar), but he is truly Italian, as he was born in Spoleto (Perugia) 27 years ago, and that's why he decided to come back home. He also missed the sun while in Moscow, along with the warmth of the people and good wine. However, he wasn't without the affection of Ashling, his wife, and young son Sasha who both joined him. An avid NBA and tennis (Roger Federer is his favourite) fan, as a child he dreamt of being a hockey goaltender. Then, his father took him to the gym and he fell in love with volleyball and never looked back (except for a 'fling' with beach volleyball). He did well at school and his parents rewarded him for his good marks. Now, after the silver in the World Cup and European bronze from 2015, he is also preparing to pass the Rio test. Ready to repeat, at least, the bronze from London 2012.