Giannelli on the podium wearing the jersey of the player who was injured a few days before departure. Coach De Giorgi: “They should only call me for the World Championships. I’m exhausted.” Anzani and his “uncle’s” gold medal: “I had to stop playing, but instead I’m here.”

Tears flow freely for everyone. It’s a time for emotions and letting go. It’s also a time for dedications. The most important one is on the podium with Giannelli receiving the medal wearing Daniele Lavia’s jersey, the great absentee but very much present with the team that won gold, as well as a special commentator on Rai. On August 23, the Italian spiker saw his World Cup dreams vanish due to a hand injury sustained in the weight room that forced him to undergo delicate surgery. Before the final, he spoke to the whole team. “Dani, this is for you,” said Simone Anzani, the team’s ‘uncle’ who scored the last point. “You know how much we missed you and how much we needed you. This victory is dedicated entirely to you.” Anzani continued: “I said on another occasion that our goal was the World Cup. It’s an incredible feeling, it’s a special match. I’ve had two difficult years,” said the center, who had to stop twice due to a heart problem, “where I risked having to stop playing. I pursued the Olympics, which was my last goal, and now this has happened.”

“I’m struggling to speak,” said Simone Giannelli, captain and golden hands of this team, through tears. “It’s because I’m sad that Daniele isn’t with us. I know how much he cared. Unfortunately, he wasn’t with us, so I thank him for being close to us. I am proud to wear his jersey here – he shows it on TV under his medal – and I also salute Sanguinetti (the last player excluded, ed.). We are not people who give up. There were many things we didn’t like about this season, but we made the best of it. I am proud of this team, we have done something incredible.” Coach Michieletto was also emotional: “We’ve done something incredible. I’m speechless. Maybe it wasn’t the most beautiful game, but who cares? We came out of the difficulties as a great team. I can’t believe it. When I’m at home, I keep it on my bedside table to enjoy it a little.”

Romanò’s dedication—  Yuri Romanò, who will be in Novosibirsk, Russia, next year, was a pillar of strength: “It’s hard to talk, it’s incredible. Dani, you’re beautiful,” he joked with Lavia on TV, “you’re a fundamental part of this group. Despite everything that happened in preparation, we showed that when we play our way, it’s really hard to beat us. Poland is the most complete team in the world, and it wasn’t enough. I dedicate this to Marta and Bianca (his partner and daughter, ed.), I love you so much, I’ll be home soon.“
Bottolo—  Felice Bottolo: ”Today you could see that we had extra energy, and it came from home. We found the strength within ourselves. We still can’t quite believe it. We’re living it, but we still don’t understand. It was a long, tiring summer that took a lot of energy out of us. Starting in May and finishing at the end of September is endless.”
The record-breaking coach— Finally, with the Cup in his arms, there is also Fefè De Giorgi, the man who holds the record for five world titles: “They should only call me for the World Championships,” jokes the Italian coach. “I’m exhausted. It was a long summer, not an easy one, but I’ll say it again: these are special guys. They accepted a lot of things in order to work at their best. They have been amazing, with their ability to include everyone. And Daniele has been great. He gave us a real boost.“ Then he greeted Julio Velasco, the champion coach of the women’s team: ”We did some good things with Julio this summer. We hope to get lots of kids interested in the sport.”