In Turkey, the Italian Deaf national team of coach Matteo Zamponi annihilated France with the maximum difference in the Finals for the bronze medal at Euro 2023. The coach from the Marches, also coach of the U13s in the Academy Volley Lube, hit the bullseye once again with the blue selection by wearing a medal that was anything but obvious due to the rejuvenation implemented in the squad. A winning bet in the light of the placement and the capital performance that took place this morning against the transalpines, literally dominated in the first and third sets. Concrete proof of the Belpaese in the second set, the most fought, won 25-23. “The best game of my management – the coach’s first words after the final whistle – I thank all the boys and my splendid staff!”. A result that demonstrates the short-term growth of the athletes entrusted to Zamponi. Just at the debut in the event, again against France, the match had turned out to be very sweaty and the success had matured with a game of suffering. The injury in the third match of Riccardo Dell’Arte, the starting setter, had made the path tortuous. The reaction of his teammates was impressive, as they fought with great pride, even if in the semi-final Ukraine barred Italy’s way. The white, red and green heart never stopped beating and in the medal match against the cockerels it reached its maximum beats for yet another international joy after the bronze medal and the Olympic one. Another prestigious podium, this time achieved with the youngest collective in contention.
Matteo Zamponi: “Our European Championship ended in a brilliant way, but during the competition there was no shortage of shadows, both due to a crucial injury and because the game was struggling to take off. I know what these guys are capable of and it was a pleasure to see them then express themselves at high levels. We don’t have many opportunities to train together during the year compared to other national teams, but playing it on equal terms or almost with everyone is a great satisfaction. This is a medal that is worth triple and rewards our scouting work around Italy in order to start the generational change. We took risks by presenting ourselves with several boys born between 2004 and 2006, but the epilogue proved us right. After the Semifinal I was angry about the defeat because we were ahead at times, but I was happy about the leap in quality on the pitch.
