Team Italy takes shelter indoors practicing when lightning strikes at Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach

Team Italy takes shelter indoors practicing when lightning strikes at Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach
19/04/2021
Not even mother nature could stop the powerful Olympic-bound Team Italy women's softball squad from practicing at the iconic in Vero Beach on April 19, 2021

Not even mother nature could stop the powerful Olympic-bound Team Italy women's softball squad from practicing at the iconic in Vero Beach on April 19, 2021. Thunder, lightning, and heavy rainfall kept manager Federico Pizzolini's Team Italy off the fields but not off course as the Italian skipper chose to conduct training indoors near the locker room. 

Ulisse Hernandez and Dr. Alessandro Butta examine Marta Gasparotto (Roberto Angotti)Players lined up for their opportunity to throw off the mound or hit in the cage. Practicing social distancing, others patiently awaited in the team meeting room for their turn. Multi-talented pitcher and outfielder Ilaria Cacciamani as well as infielder Giulia Longhi showcased their artistic skills with colorful illustrations on the white board. Memorable images included a tricolore map of Italy (including Sicily) and a three-dimensional masterpiece of the Colosseum. 

In the next room, team physican Dr. Alessandro Butta and physiotherapist Ulisse Hernandez attended to ailing slugger Marta Gasparotto, who injured her knee during the first field practice two days ago. She will not stay with Team Italy for the remainder of Florida Spring Training. Instead, Marta Gasparotto will be boarding the next covid-free flight home to seek further medical treatment. She remains positive and upbeat despite the setback. As for the forecast here in Vero Beach, the prospect for returning to the practice field tomorrow is not looking so bright since more adverse weather is expected. But nothing gets in the way of resilientTeam Italy...where there is a will, there is a way!!! Forza #Italia! #PerEnrico

by Roberto Angotti