Slovenia’s path to the Olympics of Matteo De Cecco: technical guide of Belluno Volleyball, stops at the quarter-finals. And deputy of a national team that, in Paris, was able to express volleyball of the highest level, in the noble context of the five-ring Games. Games that Slovenia interpreted in a masterly manner, so much so that they closed with a balance of three victories and only one defeat, which however cost them elimination.
In the preliminary round, the athletes led by coach Gheorghe Crețu and right-hand man De Cecco beat Canada on their debut (3-1), Serbia (3-0) and the reigning Olympic champions, as well as hosts of the France (3-2). But, in this morning’s direct elimination match, Poland forced the stoppage, in the space of four partials (20-25, 26-24, 19-25, 20-25) and flew into the semi-finals.
In any case, the Belluno Volley coach can be proud of an adventure destined to remain etched in memories: his. And of an entire nation: «The epic of these boys who, fifteen years ago, were thirty-eighth in the world rankings, ended today. They have fought for a long time to climb a mountain and be respected, by opponents, by federations and by various organizations. The cycle is over, many stop here: they say goodbye to the colors they have defended for so long with sweat and effort.”
De Cecco draws an initial assessment, full of emotions: «I experienced this atmosphere for five extraordinary, unforgettable years, with a silver and a bronze at the European Championships, a gold in the Golden League, a fourth place at the World Championships and in the Volleyball Nations League, as well to an Olympics as protagonists. Thank you Slovenia.”
