By The International Federation of Volleyball (FIVB) -

Italian men's volleyball coach Andrea Anastasi has said he is looking forward to "coming home" to Catania when the FIVB 2010 Men's World Championship start in October.

Catania will be a host city during the second round of the 2010 Men's World Championship and speaking during a presentation on Catania's preparations for the competition, Anastasi said he was glad it is being held in Sicily.

"To come to Sicily, for me, is like coming home. I always feel particularly emotional here, as Sicily is where I began my career," he said. "I am proud and happy to play here, but obviously we need to get through the first round, which I'm hoping we will."

"Sicily deserves to have the national side playing in Catania and every time we come here people greet us with enthusiasm."

Others were happy with the decision for Catania to be one of the World Championship cities, and welcomed the move.

Nino Strano, President of the Local Organising Committee and Regional Minister for Sport, said: “Hosting the World Championship is reward for our hard work."

“Sicily has always had a great tradition of Volleyball and sport in general and this event will be an opportunity to again demonstrate how our region is capable of organising events as big as this one.”

Raffaele Lombardo, President of the Sicilian Region, added: “The World Championships in Catania demonstrates the ability and passion that Sicily can express in organising a major sporting event.

“We’ll use the best human resources available which we’ll add to the great support of the Sicilian people that we hope will push the Italian team to victory.”

The city will welcome the 24 teams when the competition begins on October 28, and local fans will be hoping for a home triumph.

Carlo Salvatori, President of the Organising Committee said that he is pleased the World Championships are coming to a region with great history and tradition.

He continued: “Sicily has always been a region where volleyball is popular and I’m sure with effort from the federation, local authorities and all institutions that we'll build a great event.”

With Thanks To The International Federation of Volleyball (FIVB)