The Italian senior National Team just finished a 7-day camp to get ready for the 2021 European Championship and the Summer Olympics.

March 20 to 27, the Azzurre gathered in Ronchi dei Legionari, Italy, for the first time under new manager Federico Pizzolini, after the passing of Enrico Obletter.

Also read: Coach Federico Pizzolini will be guiding the Azzurre
Also read: Italian Coach Enrico Obletter passed away

Team Italy has two goals for the upcoming summer: win gold at the Women's European Championship in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, and a medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Team captain Erika Piancastelli pushed her team: "Before, our goal was to win a medal. Now, have to make this dream come true. It is not just for us. We have to do it for Enrico".

22 athletes have been invited to participate: Brittany Abacherli, Barbara McKenzie, Laura Bigatton, Priscilla Brandi, Ilaria Cacciamani, Elisa Cecchetti, Greta Cecchetti, Lara Cecchetti, Veronica Comar, Sarah Edwards, Marta Gasparotto, Elisa Grifagno, Giulia Longhi, Fabrizia Marrone, Alice Nicolini, Erika Piancastelli, Beatrice Ricchi, Alessandra Rotondo, Carlotta Salis, Melany Sheldon, Silvia Torre and Laura Vigna.

/ Elda Ghilardi
Photos by Dirk Steffen