After two weeks of Spring Training in Arizona and California under the watchful eye of Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini and special advisor Mike Candrea, the Azzurre women's softball squad is back home now to prepare for the World Games 2022 from July 9-13, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama and the European Softball Championship from July 24-30, 2022 in Sant Boi, Spain. Italian skipper Federico Pizzolini said, “It was an excellent experience for a great group of players. The team is reinventing itself with an injection of new faces mixed in with our veteran players. This is a year of transition and change. Without our former captain Erika Piancastelli leading the charge because of her professional career commitments, it was essential for us to build from the ground up quickly with the construction of a new core group."
Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini continued, "I am particularly impressed with how our most experienced athletes, those who participated in the Olympic Games last year, made themselves available to work with our younger players to create a great squad and a united sense of purpose. Thanks to legendary coach Mike Candrea for his commitment, knowledge and passion for the game and his Italian heritage. Not only was he instrumental in organizing the trip, but he also was the most enthusiastic person behind the international project. Having a National Softball Hall of Famer serving as special advisor can only help with our progress to compete against the softball powerhouse countries.".
In regards to the players not participating in the Arizona and California Spring Training, Federico Pizzolini shed some light on the subject. "Erika Piancastelli has taken time off from our team so that she was fulfill her professional softball commitments. However, should an opportunity for her to participate full-time in our program, the door is always open and she will be welcome. As for Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, Andrea Howard and Alexia Lacatena, they all have committed to joining us after their respective U.S. collegiate campaigns finish. I have talked with all of them, and I expect them to be with us at the end of June.".
Federico Pizzolini admitted that the women's senior softball squad will have limited playing opportunities while the U18 and the U22 squads will be afforded more chances to compete. He said, "There won't be many opportunities for the seniors. On the contrary, the U18 and U22 programs will be busy playing almost weekly against Serie A1 teams. In addition, the U22 squad will be competing in the European Softball Championship in the Czech Republic, The senior squad will be simultaneously be preparing for the World Games in Alabama and European Softball Championship in Spain." Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
