Italian media hails 20-year-old Federico Crosato as “Padova`s new jewel.” As a key figure among Italy`s emerging generation of promising volleyball players, Federico is making a significant impact in the Italian Superlega this season. He currently ranks 10th among Best Middle Blockers with 74 points, closely trailing Dragan Stankovic`s 75 points.
Crosato`s success isn`t new. In the summer of 2022, he helped the Italy U22 team secure the inaugural #EuroVolleyU22M title. This adds to his growing collection of trophies, which includes a U21 World Championship in 2021 and a U19 World Championship in 2019.
Born in Treviso and standing at 200 cm, Crosato emphasizes a methodical approach to his personal development. This combination of focused growth and natural talent often signals a bright future, suggesting he is indeed a rising star in the volleyball world.
The Journey Begins
Before dedicating himself to volleyball, Federico initially tried tennis. However, with a smile, Crosato admits he wasn`t particularly skilled with a tennis ball, leading him to discover volleyball.
Around the age of 14, after experimenting with various positions common in youth volleyball, Federico began to specialize as a middle blocker.
Turning Professional
Recognizing his aptitude for volleyball, Federico started to envision it as a professional career path.
“I remember when I told my parents, `I want to try to make volleyball my job.` They supported me and told me, `If you enjoy it, go for it!`”
Federico Crosato
National Team Triumphs
Federico, alongside his teammates from the 2000-2002 generation, boasts an impressive list of national team accomplishments. After their U21 World Championship victory in 2021, this talented group clinched the inaugural #EuroVolleyU22M trophy the following summer. Crosato was instrumental, playing in five matches and contributing 33 points with a 71% block efficiency.
For Crosato, representing the Italian national team is a source of immense pride:
“I am always happy when I receive a call-up. With my teammates, we feel like old friends. We compete against each other during the season, then unite for the national team, which is fantastic. The gold medals and other awards we`ve won over the years signify the effort we`ve put into training; it`s a reward for all the hard work, as you don`t prepare for a European or World championship in just two weeks. Ultimately, it`s wonderful to bring these medals home to Italy and make our families and nation proud.”
Federico Crosato
While he dreams of eventually joining the senior Men`s team, Crosato remains grounded, focusing on his immediate goals.
“My short-term goal is to always improve, day after day, and to perform well for Padova. If the senior national team calls me in the future, it would be an incredible achievement.”
Federico Crosato
Life at Pallavolo Padova
Now in his second season with Pallavolo Padova, Federico, hailed as `the new jewel of Padua,` is thoroughly enjoying his experience since joining from Volley Treviso.
“The atmosphere here is wonderful—the club, the fans, the city. It`s the perfect place for me to begin my journey in Serie A. I`m also quite close to home, so my parents attend all the games to support me. My goals are clearly to continue growing, developing, and learning from the more experienced players on the squad.”
Federico Crosato
While committed to his personal growth, the team’s middle blocker is also eager to contribute to his teammates` collective objectives.
“I want to contribute! Maybe I am young and not as experienced, but I have a lot of energy to give!”
Inspiration and Aspirations
Federico doesn`t limit himself to a single idol for inspiration, instead drawing from various sources.
“I don’t have a specific idol to say, `I want to be just like him!` I watch many players, observing their technique and behavior. I try to incorporate the most impressive things I see. There are always moments when you see players do something amazing, and you think `Wow!`, which motivates you to train even harder to reach their level.”
Federico Crosato
Regarding his ultimate dream, Crosato simply desires continuous personal growth and development. Naturally, winning the Scudetto (Italian championship) and joining the senior national team are also high on his list of aspirations.
Beyond the Court
Despite his demanding schedule, Federico makes an effort to spend time with loved ones.
“Outside the court, Federico is just a normal guy. When I’m not training, I spend time with the people I love—my family, my friends. In my free time, I go to the sea or the mountains. I try to be at home, but I also try to do something different. Meanwhile, I also focus on my studies. As for big passions, I don’t have any other than volleyball.”
Federico Crosato
Finley Blackwood