Team Italy softball manager Federico Pizzolini reflects on Florida training camp experience

Team Italy softball manager Federico Pizzolini reflects on Florida training camp experience
15/01/2023
The Team Italy women's softball squad held a winter training camp in Tampa, Florida from January 3-8, 2023 to kick off the new year. Azzurre manager Federico Pizzolini said, "I am satisfied with the results and the positive feedback."

After a series of intensive training sessions, practices and intrasquad games from January 3-8, 2023 at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, the Team Italy women's softball squad is now more prepared than ever for the first stage of the World Cup, which will take place in Friuli Venezia-Giulia from July 22-26, 2023.

Under the Florida sun, the twenty invited players underwent morning workouts, which simulated game situations and included filmed batting practice. The afternoon sessions featured intrasquad games on the field. In foul territory, team athletic trainer Riccardo Leonesio led members of the squad in extensive physical exercises.

Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini was very satisfied with the Florida winter camp. He said, “The goal was above all to evaluate the players who had promise to join the national team. It was a week of hard work for everyone. We were encouraged by what we saw and feel positive about all the players at the Tampa camp."

Assisted by pitching coach Nancy Evans, skipper Federico Pizzolini was able to get a good read on Azzurre pitching propects Christina Toniolo and Olivia Gigante. He commented, "They are two U.S. based pitchers with Italian passports. Christina Toniolo and Olivia Gigante made a good impression on us. Olivia is a very good hitter and has great potential starting her collegiate career with the Florida Gators. We will keep a close eye on both of them from this point forward.”

Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini as shed light on the rest of the softball squad. He said, "Marta Gasparotto is nearing the end of her recovery after surgery. Dr. Camilleri, who performed the operation, has guaranteed that she will be able to resume normal activity by the end of March. We also brought the young and talented Noemi Cortesi into the mix with the older players and she responded well. Of course we all know what Erika Piancastelli brings to the table after training year round and playing professionally for so long. Coupled with Giulia Longhi and Fabrizia Marrone, you have the experienced nucleus of the team."

He continued, "Our pitchers, Alexia Lacatena, Alice Nicolini and Alessia Melegari all did very well considering the beginning of the new season. We are confident in their ability despite the fact we don't have any overpowering pitchers. However, we will have to shuffle the cards as we did in the last European Championship."

Team Italy reunites in Rome on February 4 and 5 for a series of athletic tests in preparation for a very demanding July, which will include the Canada Cup at Softball City in Surrey, B.C. Canada, an exhibition series against the University of Alabama and the first phase of the World Cup in Italy. Forza #Italia!


by Roberto Angotti

(Photo of Team Italy at 2023 winter camp at the University of South Florida by Simone Amaduzzi Photography)