Team Italy elite softball squad travels to Tampa to prepare for 2023 World Cup

Team Italy elite softball squad travels to Tampa to prepare for 2023 World Cup
15/12/2022
The University of Southern Florida (USF) plays host to the first meeting of the new year for the Azzurre softball squad from January 3-8, 2023 in preparation for the World Cup in July

On the heels of the WBSC announcing that the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy will host the 2023 and 2024 Softball World Cup, the Italian elite team disclosed its plans for a six-day training camp on the beautiful campus of USF in Tampa from January 3-8, 2023.

Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini, coaches Giulio Brusa and Marta Gambella, trainer Riccardo Leonesio, team physician Dr. Alessandro Buttà, physiotherapist Elio Paolini and delegation executive Isabella Dalbesio will travel with the squad to Florida and be joined by a group of talented stateside players including: Olivia Gigante (1B, RHP) from the University of Florida; Kelli Godin (OF) from UCLA and gold medal winner at the 2019 WBSC U19 Women's World Cup with Team USA; and Sydney Poole from Loyola Marymount University.

Team Italy pitching coach Nancy Evans and senior advisor Mike Candrea will offer their expertise during morning workouts and afternoon inter-squad games in Tampa, Florida.

The following players are expected to participate:

Last Name First Name POS B T Year of Birth
Barbara McKenzie Catherine 1B/C L L 2001
Bartoli Anita IF R R 2004
Cecchetti Elisa UTL R R 1995
Cortesi Noemi IN R R 2007
Fabbian Sofia OF R R 2000
Gasparotto Marta C R R 1996
Lacatena Alexia P/1B R R 2002
Longhi Giulia 3B R R 1993
Marrone Fabrizia OF L L 1996
Melassi Tara IF R R 2001
Melegari Alessia P R R 2000
Nicolini Alice P L L 1995
Piancastelli Erika C/OF R R 1996
Princic Elisa C R R 2000
Rotondo Alessandra IF L R 2000
Rusconi Vicinanza Sara Anna C/1B R R 2001
Sheldon Melany IF R R 1997
Toniolo Christina Clara P R R 2001

Forza #Italia!

by Roberto Angotti

(Photo of Team Italy capatin Giulia Longhi at work during the 2022 winter camp)