The Next Big Thing in Volleyball: Federico Crosato
Feature
“Padova’s new jewel”, is how media in Italy refers to 20-year-old Federico Crosato. Federico, part of the new Italian generation of promising players, is shining on the courts in the Italian Superlega this season, currently on 10th position in the Best Middle Blockers rankings with 74 points to his name (breathing down Dragan Stankovic’s neck who has 75).
In the summer of 2022, Crosato, together with his teammates of Italy U22, won the title in the maiden edition of the #EuroVolleyU22M. However, this is not the first trophy for the 200 cm tall Federico - in 2021, he became World Champion U21, and in 2019, did the same with the Boys U19 team.
A native of Treviso, Crosato likes taking things step by step, focused on his personal development and growth - qualities that, combined with talent, often speak about a bright future. Get to know him, as he might very well be The Next Big Thing in Volleyball.
The Beginning
Before choosing Volleyball, Federico actually tried Tennis. However, smiling, Crosato acknowledges he wasn’t that good with the yellow ball and fate brought him to Volleyball.
Federico Crosato“One day, my best friend told me to come play Volleyball. This is how my Volleyball journey started. I then joined the youth sections of Volley Treviso.”
After turning 14, and after trying different roles in rotation as it happens in youth Volleyball, Federico started focusing on the Middle blocker position.
Going Pro
Seeing that he was actually doing good in the field of Volleyball, made Federico thinking about Volleyball as a career path.
Federico Crosato“As a kid, I didn’t think “I want this, I want Volleyball to be my work, my career”. Then, step by step, I realised that I was doing well, that things were going well. Volleyball started taking more and more space in my life. I had to leave many things behind for Volleyball for it to become my work, but I am happy with it.”
The National team
Together with his teammates from the 2000-2002 generation, Federico has already a great list of achievements. After becoming U21 World Champions in 2021, this group of players claimed the #EuroVolleyU22M trophy in the maiden edition of the competition this summer. Crosato played in five matches, contributing with 33 points (71% block efficiency).
To Crosato, playing for the Italian national team, is always a great matter of pride.
“I am always happy when I receive a call-up. With my teammates, we see each other as old friends - we play against each other during the season, then we play together for the national team and this is great. The Gold that we won together, together with the other medals in these past years - all this means that we have built something during trainings; it is a recompensation for all the hard work, because you don’t prepare for an European or World championship for two weeks. And in the end, it is nice to bring back home to Italy the medals; to make our families and nation feel proud.”
And while Crosato would love joining the Men’s team someday in the future, he tries to stay down-to-earth, and focuses more on his short term goals.
Federico Crosato“I am not looking to the senior team right now, because my goals are always in the short term. However, I don’t put a limit either. I am ready for everything. Of course, joining the Men’s team would be a dream come true, but I need to work a lot, to develop a lot. So, I am hoping for the future, but I think that I need to make small steps first, with consistence.”
Pallavolo Padova
"The new jewel of Padua", Federico is actually in his second season in the club. Coming from Volley Treviso, Federico is enjoying this experience.
“The atmosphere is very good - the club, the fans, the city. It is a perfect place for me to start my journey in Serie A. I am also quite close to my home, so I have my parents coming to all the games, supporting me. My goals are obviously to keep on growing, developing, learning from more experienced players on the squad.”
And while focusing on the personal growth, the team’s middle blocker is ready to help his teammates to achieve the goals set.
“I want to contribute! Maybe I am young, not that experienced, but I have a lot of energy to give!”
The Inspiration&The Dream
There is not only one player whom Federico looks up to in the pursuit of inspiration.
“I don’t have a sort of idol, to say “I want to be just like him!”. I watch many players, I observe their technique, how they behave. The most beautiful things I see, I try to apply them. There are always moments when you see players doing something, and you are like “Wow!”, so you start training even harder to arrive to their level.”
As for his biggest dream, Crosato just want so keep on growing and developing personally.
“Of course, winning the Scudetto and joining the senior national team are on the list as well.”
Outside the court
Despite the lack of a lot of free time, Federico is still trying to spend some time with his family and friends.
“Federico outside the court is just a normal guy. When I am not training, I am just spending time with the people I love, my family, my friends. In my free time, I go to the sea, to the mountain. I try to be at home, but I also try doing something different. Meanwhile, I focus on my studies as well. As for big passions, I don’t have others besides Volleyball.”