Anzani: “Everything is great, we are a family.” The national team returned from Manila and was greeted by fans at the airport with cheers, applause, and selfies.
A few minutes of waiting, then the cheers of the fans celebrating the two-time world champions. This was how Fefè De Giorgi’s Italvolley team was welcomed on their return from Manila, landing at Fiumicino airport at 8:05 p.m. this evening, amid applause, selfies, and Italian flags. The tired but happy faces of the players responded to the joy of the fans who had gathered at the airport by showing off their medals and the cup from their second consecutive world championship, the fifth in the history of the Italian national team.
The first to exit the gate was captain Giannelli, who, to cries of “Raise it, captain!”, posed with the cup in his hand. “It’s an incredible, wonderful feeling,” said Simone Giannelli. “Winning one world championship after another is something I never thought I would be able to do. We are all very tired from the long journey, but little by little we are realizing what we have done.“ During the award ceremony in Manila, Simone showed the jersey of Daniele Lavia, who was absent from the World Cup due to injury: ”The victory belongs to the team, and Daniele’s jersey was a gesture to have him there with us. I know how much he suffered and how much he cared.” Inevitably, there was a question about Velasco’s girls, the world champions whose footsteps De Giorgi’s team followed: “They are doing something incredible, and the great thing is how they achieved those results. Their victory was a source of inspiration for me, and for that I thank them. This double success is a great message for all the young people who will take up our sport.”
Simone Anzani— After the captain, the vice-captain. Simone Anzani also cannot hide his happiness at winning the second world title: “We are overjoyed, delighted, and proud. It has been a difficult two summers for me (Anzani missed the European Championships and Olympics due to heart problems, ed.), but this victory is an explosion of joy. Are we phenomenal? That label doesn’t do us justice: we are a family that never gave up in the face of adversity.“
Coach De Giorgi— ”There are no secrets to this success. It is a victory that takes into account the technical improvements but also the values of this wonderful group,” says coach Fefè De Giorgi. Velasco? We talk often, he is always very close to us. I am happy to share this historic moment for the federation with him.”
Italvolley by Mattarella— The next stop for the celebrations will be the Quirinale: as with Velasco’s girls after their triumph in Thailand, the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella has invited the Italvolley men’s team to an official reception. “Congratulations and best wishes for your well-deserved victory, I look forward to seeing you to thank you.” The appointment is for Wednesday, October 8, at 4 p.m., to celebrate another historic triumph.
