Lorenzo Bernardi was elected co-FIVB Volleyball Player of the Century in 2001 (along with USA’s Karch Kiraly) as a multi-talented hitter, excellent passer and one of the great all-around performers. He played in three Olympic Games (1988, 1992 and 1996), leading Italy to the silver medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Bernardi also helped Italy to two FIVB World Championships in 1990 and 1994, highlighted by being named Best Player of the 1994 World Championship. He posted 306 CAPS for Italy, winning two European gold medals (1989 and 1995), three FIVB World League titles and the FIVB World Cup (1995). Bernardi was named most valuable player of the 1992 FIVB World League and elected best player of the 1995 European Championship. He played professional club volleyball for many years in Italy winning the prestigious league championship nine times.
