Is called Gabriel Galiano, the young man who ErmGroup San Giustino has identified to strengthen the central team in view of the next Serie A3 Credem Banca championship turned 18 last February and is 203 centimeters tall. From Castellana Grotte in Puglia, he started playing volleyball as a child, growing up in the youth team of his hometown club, Materdomini; two years ago the greatest satisfaction for him: the Italian Under 19 title with Matervolley, also from Castellana Grotte, at the end of the final won 3-0 over the Diavoli Rosa Brugherio. And again with Matervolley he was a starter in the last three seasons in Serie B, before the Sangiustinese management noticed him at work in May during the Under 19 national finals. For him too, like Daniele Carpita, it is the first experience outside the region and therefore far from home. “I am very satisfied and enthusiastic about this call – said Galiano – because entering the roster of an A3 club means having a great opportunity to make the leap in quality”. What is Galiano’s best shot? “The first half – the player responds immediately – but I also go to the wall and try to improve on this fundamental”. You had the opportunity to make a first approach to the San Giustino environment through the May finals and even some of your new teammates are old acquaintances for you. “Yes, I was positively impressed by the place where I will come to play, also for the quality of its facilities. And then, I know both Daniele Carpita and Paolo Battaglia well: I have always faced them as opponents, this time instead we will belong to the same team”. The sporting director is convinced that the operation has been completed Valdemaro Gustinelli: “The choice of Galiano has its roots in the moment in which, in agreement with the technical staff, we decided to focus on very young profiles to complete the package of central players. The decision – adds the white and blue sports director – is the result of a very accurate evaluation in the construction of next season’s roster: we are extremely convinced that Gabriel will be able to grow and mature in complete tranquility in an environment like ours, in which he will have the opportunity to enrich his wealth of experience and individual technique with the utmost serenity, but at the same time we expect great things from the boy.” What path led to Gabriel Galiano? “Well, it all started with a phone call made with the boy’s attorney – Gustinelli recalls – that in all honesty we did not know. I was told: “Take a look at the young man during the Under 19 national finals” and so it was; to be honest, we also had other names in our notebooks, then thanks to the collaboration of the entire technical staff we “scouted” 4 of Galiano’s matches: I must say that the doubts fell away very quickly and that the choice came naturally. Galiano is an extremely interesting player, with strong and very impactful characteristics for a middle blocker; first of all, he has a remarkable “spin” jump serve from zone 5, with a low margin of error and at the same time very consistent in performance; his qualities in attack are equally good, where he loves to propose himself even in transitions and this is an uncommon quality. Lastly, but not in order of importance, the thing that struck us most is his way of being on the court as a born leader, always ready to be of help and support to his teammates. Gabriel has the hallmarks of a leader! I have already renamed him: he will be our “ogre”. Let me personally thank mum and dad Galiano, who have shown great availability from the very first moment: they were essential in finding an agreement with the boy’s club. From Castellana Grotte to San Giustino there are about 650 kilometres and along the bisector there are many Serie A clubs: this says a lot about the great will of the family in accepting our proposal. I am convinced that the Ogre will do great things. Welcome Gabriel!”.
Claudio Roselli
Press office
ErmGroup Volleyball San Giustino
