During Italy's commanding 3-0 sweep over Bulgaria in Volleyball Nations League Week 1 in Brasilia (25-17, 25-19, 25-10), all eyes were on Ekaterina Antropova as she made a brilliant tactical shift from her traditional opposite role to start as an outside hitter.

Here is everything the Italian star told Volleyball World about this major transition, her feelings on the court, and the mindset of the squad for this 2026 season
On the tactical shift and her new position:
Everything is different, it's another perspective on the court. I had never played as an outside hitter, and you see the game differently from there. I'm very excited that I could start in an official match and very grateful that my teammates helped me with the positioning and everything.
On Italy's need for tactical variations:
It's important for us to have these variations and possibilities. Winning is great, but in sports the victories don't last long, and you need to start over every time.
On leaving past achievements behind to build a new game:
I don't want that all that we accomplished over the last year weighs on us, so we'll just create a new game and see where it will take us.
Photos: Volleyball World