For the second time in one year, Marco Bonitta, head coach of Italy National Team, crossed out Valentina Diouf from roster at the last moment.
After he included opposite hitter in the squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics (he listed her as receiver/outside hitter), Bonitta renounced Diouf and put Alessia Gennari instead of her.
“To comply with the deadlines of the Italian Volleyball Federation, last Monday I announced the list for Rio 2016 but since the International Volleyball Federation gives the opportunity to change it until August 3, I took a final decision now. I talked to Valentina Diouf and explained her that a decision to put Alessia Gennari instead of her is purely a technical decision, which is not dictated by any behavioral or physical problems of Valentina. Alessia is recovering from knee surgery and has made important progress. I fully understand Valentina’s bitterness, but the job of a coach is to take to the major event the team which he considers the best possible,” Bonitta explained.
Recall that Bonitta crossed out Diouf for the Olympic Qualification Tournament in May.
The final roster of Italy NT:
Setters: Eleonora Lo Bianko, Alessia Orro. Opposites: Nadia Centoni, Serena Ortolani. Middle blockers: Cristina Chirichella, Anna Danesi, Martina Guiggi. Receivers: Antonella Del Core, Paola Egonu, Alessia Gennari, Miriam Sylla. Libero: Monica De Gennaro.
Check out other news from Italy.
Receive email notification (FOLLOW) about players‘ and teams’ latest STATS and VIDEOS (you need to be registered).
Subscribe to have full access on WoV PROFILES, STATS & VIDEO data base.
For more articles click on Latest news.