Settling accounts with fate and with a seven-year journey that sometimes did not meet expectations. This is the feeling with which Anna Danesi, a central defender who will wear the Allianz Milano shirt next season, enters into this season for the Azzurri. And it is perhaps for this reason that Julio Velasco, coach of the Italian team, chose her to entrust her with the captain’s armband. A captain who approaches this summer with the desire to take back what has sometimes been missing.
Danes between praise and certainties: the captaincy is his
Danesi, did Velasco’s decision surprise you?
«I didn’t expect it. She chose, I obey. I consider it an honor and I hope to do well. It doesn’t happen to everyone that a coach like Julio is chosen. It’s all new to me because I only played this role in Monza, but it was something else. I feel responsible. I feel like the girl who represents all the girls who play volleyball”.
Velasco called her the best in the world on the wall. What will you bring to this role?
«I will try to bring a good attitude to all situations. I think that’s what’s needed most.”.
First friendly today. Which Italy will we see against Sweden?
«We are still missing some important players. But I can say that we are back from some very good training sessions. We will use these two matches to try some things. It would be enough for me if we were able to do what we already manage to do in training. There will definitely be some emotion today”.
The coach asked you to go beyond your limits. What did you ask you to train the most?
«There are many aspects. I work a lot on the attack towards position 5. I take a few blocks, but the objective is to challenge our limits”.
All for everything in view of the Olympics
From next week it will get serious. The Volley Nations League begins and you can’t go wrong in reaching Paris. How do you experience this situation?
«We’re not thinking much about it yet. We are focused on making the most of this working period. I hope the girls don’t feel too much pressure.”.
Italy’s competing place is at the Olympics, even if the pass has yet to arrive. How do you deal with this situation?
«The Olympics are a dream for me and these would be my third. But it’s a difficult dream. After all, if you don’t dream you’re not going anywhere. We all work to get there. Then there are the opponents, some are very strong. We have the task of working to get to the appointment and playing our opportunities very well”.
What would you be willing to do to win the Olympics?
“A lot of things. I would start by sacrificing sweets. Too many times it had to go differently and we didn’t get what we worked for. Now we have to chase away the bad things to honor the path that this group of girls has made since 2017”.
Is this the last chance for you?
«Yes, I am aware of it and sometimes I think about it. But it’s not something that bothers and disturbs me. I see it as a reality and I will try to give everything for Paris”.
