After ten years, 105 international events, an Olympic medal, three continental titles, three national titles, 22 podiums in the world tour (3 first places, 9 second places, 10 third places) the paths of Daniele Lupo and Paolo Nicolai separate. As anticipated by The print in recent days, the pair of records and the most successful in the history of Italian beach volleyball, therefore, has turned the page.
The two athletes of the Air Force played their last tournament as a couple in Cagliari where they were engaged in the Sardinia Beach Finals, closing their enviable career together in fourth place. Since that distant April 2011 when they made their debut at the Brasilia Open, Daniele and Paolo have become the protagonists of an incredible series of successes and satisfactions: the first Italians to win a World Tour tournament, to win a men’s European title, to conquer an Olympic medal (silver in Rio), to participate in three Olympics, to conquer the n ° 1 position of the world ranking.
“It was not easy to make this decision, but as in any self-respecting working relationship, after so many years together we felt the need to try something new,” commented Nicolai. «The one with Paolo was a nice trip, we grew up together as athletes and as men. Ours was a project that turned out to be valid – Lupo’s words – Obviously, after so many years I’m sorry, but let’s go further because we have new challenges ahead of us. I wish Paolo the best of luck ». –
Unlimited access to all site content
1 € / month for 3 months, then 2.99 € per month for 3 months
Unlock unlimited access to all content on the site