From a small municipality to the top of national volleyball. First team ever from Friuli Venezia Giulia in the women’s A1 series. The Talmasons, after the historic victory in game 2 last April 25th with Futura Giovani Busto Arsizio, looks to the future and the historic championship in the first national league. We talk about it with Ambrogio Cattelanpresident of CDA Volley Talmassons FVG.
President, a great result for your club, an incredible result for regional volleyball. What do you feel in these moments?
In the moment, when you see the result arrive, you are enthusiastic, you are very happy and you enjoy the party. Then comes the realization with reality and you get a little scared. It was a wonderful achievement, especially because no one thought we were favourites. When we reached the play-offs, we were many points behind those leading the group, but day after day, we got back. We had the perception that group A, ours, was the most competitive, and so it was. We were a good team and in fact we got to the end. Being the first team in the region in Serie A is a great reward for the efforts made.
But now comes the difficult part. What does the future foresee for Talmassons?
Now come the problems, if we want to say so. Entering A1 “late” involves constantly chasing the players. Obviously if you are a player and play in A2, and you receive an offer for the following season in A1, it is natural that you sign the agreement. If you actually reach the top flight too, you’ll find yourself with a broken heart. We will say goodbye to some players, but all of them will leave with eyes full of tears, because it has been an incredible journey. We’ll see what we can do.
Now the A1 arrives, Conegliano, Milan, Novara, Scandicci arrive. What does it feel like to play it on the same playing field?
Definitely a lot of pride. Conegliano is at another level, but we will try to make the most of it. We will start a little at a disadvantage, yes, but we will do everything we can to stay up there. It’s a great showcase for the region, even if as FVG we are a little reluctant to invest in sport. I am thinking of Conegliano, which has a territory behind it that is used to supporting top teams. Here in the region the situation is different, we lack the support of large international companies, but one way or another we will make it.
Finally, the arena issue. In recent days various hypotheses have been made: Lignano (Bell’Italy), Latisana, Udine, Cividale. Where will CDA play in A1?
The most convenient solution would be that of Lignano, but difficult. The girls and staff live in Lignano, they feel good, they enjoy the peace of the coastal reality. We have a lot of availability for the system, which unfortunately is not compatible in terms of capacity with the A1. Bell’Italia would be a good choice but, being a private arena, it is primarily available for internal activities. In Latisana, however, we had a great time, they welcomed us and helped us, and today it could be the number one choice. Udine and Cividale are among the hypotheses, but more difficult in terms of logistics. It’s true, they would be two perfect choices for the area, being in the center of Friuli, but difficult to achieve due to the distance from Lignano.
And Trieste? Has it been considered?
It’s one of the hypotheses, even if I have to tell the truth, it would be difficult for the Friulian fan to digest. As far as I’m concerned, I have no problem, I find that Trieste is a beautiful city and a perfect location for a regional top team, but I don’t know if the idea is feasible, organizationally speaking. When I was a spectator at the A1 Italian Cup Finals, I was struck by the warmth of the arena and such a passionate environment. However, it could be the perfect pitch for big matches. Latisana has a limited capacity and, to take the example of Conegliano, I wouldn’t know where to put the 1000 spectators that Imoco brings with them to every nearby away match. Trieste in this sense would be perfect. A big match at PalaTrieste, perhaps with a sold out, would have great charm, there’s no doubt about that.
(photo tuttoudinese.it)
