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Beach Volleyball News
Paolo and Daniele have written Beach Volleyball history for Italy in many ways – they claimed the very first men’s European title for an Italian team, as well as the first gold medal from a World Tour event – and their silver from Rio 2016 remains the only Olympic Beach Volleyball medal for Italy to this date. Moreover, Lupo/Nicolai were the first Italian team to top the World Ranking and the first duo from their country to compete at three straight Olympics.
It all started in April of 2011 at a World Tour event held in Brasilia – followed by 10 years filled with unprecedented success, with Beach Volleyball becoming more of a household sport for many Italians thanks to the achievements of Paolo and Daniele.
Paolo Nicolai“After spending so many years together, we both felt the need to try something new, even though this was not an easy decision to make. We still feel the motivation to achieve something and possibly do even better than we have done thus far. We still remain friends and hold each other in high esteem.”
Daniele Lupo“It has been a great journey, and we have grown together as athletes and men at the same time. Ours was an interesting project – we now turn the page and take up a new challenge. Obviously, it feels a bit strange to part ways after so many years, but we do so because we have new challenges to tackle. I wish Paolo all the best in his future endeavours.”
The only missing piece at this stage is the name of their respective new partners for the three years leading up to Paris 2024.
Giuseppe Manfredi“We will be forever grateful to Paolo and Daniele for the many moments of joy they have provided us with and their legacy will last eternally. Their choice to part ways is obviously a sad thing but in sport, you always have to look forward to the next challenge. If they feel like this is the right step, we acknowledge their decision and respect it. I wish Paolo and Daniele all the best for the next chapter in their already extraordinary careers.”