Krakow, Poland, September 5, 2014 - Among the many awesome players that gave Italy a handful of medals in recent years, setter Dragan Travica fits into the role of the leader, while he guides the Azzurri’s play at FIVB Men’s World Championship in Poland.
Travica was actually born in Croatia, son of a well-known player and coach as Ljubomir Travica. However, the setter started his path with Italy in 2007 and he’s now one of the most familiar faces in the team. From that experience, he smiles: “The setter position - and not because I play as a setter, is the most important place in the team.”
“The setters have a lot of responsibilities, not only on the court but also outside of it”, Travica continues. “The setter can probably be the leader of the team. One must have at every time, in bad moments especially but in good moments too, a good expression. With your teammates, with the coach, the staff, the fans. With everybody.”
While Italy had to face several challenges in a demanding Pool D in Poland - against Iran and France so far, Travica points out the role to be played in those moments: “Through your face, you can give stability to the team, serenity, you can affect in a positive way.”
With 28 years old, the setter has already over 170 caps with the Italian blue jersey, but as far as he believes, there’s a long way to go. “I think the best age for a setter is 32 or 33 years old. You have to be very focused and concentrated. You must never give up and never stop thinking that you can grow up every day.”
“Every day, I learn that I can be better than yesterday. I think that’s a good and important mentality”, stresses Travica, as for sure he will seize a good share of knowledge at a historical competition as the one in Poland.