Anna Danesi has returned to training duties as she leads the Italian women's volleyball team into their final preparation phase in Milan ahead of the upcoming FIVB World Championship. The squad has just completed a demanding week of training in Cavalese, Trentino, and after a brief rest period, they're now focusing on the crucial final stage of preparation.
The four-day intensive training camp at Centro Pavesi began today, August 11, and will continue until Friday, August 14. Under the watchful eye of head coach Julio Velasco, the team is working to refine strategies and build chemistry before heading to Thailand for the World Championship, scheduled from August 22 to September 7.
Paola Egonu, one of Italy's star players, joins Danesi and 14 other athletes called up for this final preparatory phase. The full roster includes Yasmina Akrari, Ekaterina Antropova, Carlotta Cambi, Danesi, Monica De Gennaro, Katja Eckl, Egonu, Sarah Fahr, Eleonora Fersino, Gaia Giovannini, Alice Nardo, Stella Nervini, Loveth Omoruyi, Alessia Orro, Benedetta Sartori, and Myriam Sylla.
Interestingly, this Milan camp represents the team's final chance to work together as a unit before heading to the international stage. The coaching staff has designed the training sessions to focus particularly on team cohesion and tactical preparations – crucial elements that could make the difference in high-pressure tournament situations.
With just over a week remaining before the championship begins, the question remains: can this Italian squad translate their intensive preparation into medal-winning performances in Thailand?
