Andrea Zorzi

Andrea Zorzi, nicknamed Zorro, was a two-time World Champion and cornerstone of Italy's legendary 1990s 'Generazione di Fenomeni' volleyball team.

The FIVB named Italy's 'Generazione di Fenomeni' — the generation of phenomena — the strongest volleyball team of the 20th century. Andrea Zorzi, an opposite hitter nicknamed 'Zorro' for his precise, effective attacking, was one of the central figures of that squad. Standing 201cm tall, he grew up in Noale, in the Province of Venice, and represented Italy from 1986 to 1996. Zorzi was a key part of Italy's back-to-back FIVB World Championship victories in 1990 and 1994, and helped the team win three European Championship titles (1989, 1993, 1995), the 1995 FIVB World Cup, and the 1993 World Grand Champions Cup. Between 1990 and 1995 he also helped Italy win five FIVB World League medals, including three golds. In 1991 he was named the FIVB's Best Player in the World, and he later competed in three Olympic Games, capping his Olympic career with a silver medal at Atlanta 1996. Over his international career, Zorzi earned 325 caps for Italy. In 2001 the FIVB named Italy's 'Generazione di Fenomeni' the strongest volleyball team of the 20th century, confirming Zorzi's place among the sport's true greats; he was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2024. Since retiring, Zorzi has worked as a television commentator for Sky Sport and La Gazzetta dello Sport, and has also pursued a career in theatre, staging shows that recount his life in sport.

Precise, effective attacking opposite hitter renowned for his versatility and consistency

Regarded as one of the greatest opposite hitters in volleyball history and a symbol of Italy's 1990s golden era

• 2x World Champion (1990, 1994)
• Olympic silver medal (1996)
• 3x European Champion
• FIVB World Cup champion (1995)
• FIVB World's Best Player (1991)
• International Volleyball Hall of Fame (2024)