Florida Spring Training for the Olympic-bound Team Italy women's softball team is here. The Azzurre will remain in the Sunshine State for two weeks at the invitation of with the coordination of as well as the U.S. and Italian Olympic Committees. Despite a two-day long delay at Milan Malpensa airport due to Homeland Security immigration processing issues, the Team Italy women's softball team departed on April 15, 2021 after successfully passing a series of health and screening tests.
In preparation for the in Friuli Venezia-Giulia from June 27-July 3, 2021 and the from July 21-27, 2021, the Italian women's softball team is poised to gain invaluable experience during Florida Spring Training. In light of the current pandemic, all athletes and staff will undergo Covid testing every two days. In addition, players will be required to follow a strict protocol to move and train in a team bubble at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach. Although Team USA will also be training at the same time, no interaction between the two squads is scheduled due to strict quarantine rules.
Team Italy will remain in Vero Beach until April 24, 2021. An announcement regarding any games taking place at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex against local colleges will be made as soon as possible. Team Italy will travel to the in Fort Myers for two doubleheaders against Team Canada on April 25 and 26 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. Spectators will not be allowed to attend those games.
Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini, who was not able to participate in the squad’s recent training camp in Friuli Venezia-Giulia after testing positive for Covid-19, is anxious to see his players in action. He said, "This training camp does not represent only an opportunity to practice, but it is definitely the most prestigious event we are going to take part in in the last two years. Training and playing in Florida is the most exciting experience we may think of in order to fuel the energy of our players. This is a precious opportunity to play with the best and have our players compete for a spot on the Olympic Games roster. Winning the European Championship is very difficult, but repeating is even harder. We want to show up in Tokyo as the confirmed top team of our continent. I want to thank USA Softball and Team Canada for this one-of-a-kind opportunity they are giving us." Forza #Italia! #PerEnrico
by Roberto Angotti
