The new green and white athlete can count on extraordinary defensive qualities, combined with an important approach in the receiving phase. Technique and competitive spirit to spare
ShedirPharma Sorrento secures the defense by securing the libero, born in 2001, Davide Russo. Born in Poggiardo in the Lecce area, the new green and white athlete can count on extraordinary defensive qualities, combined with an important approach in the receiving phase. Technique and competitive spirit to spare, Davide Russo immediately burns all the stops. He made his debut at just 14 years old in Serie A2 during the match between Ortona and Alessano, playing 6 seasons among the Apulian club. Then other championships in A2 with Lagonegro and Porto Viro, until reaching the SuperLega first in Vibo Valentia and then in Padua. Davide Russo is another extraordinary coup scored by president Fabrizio Ruggiero.
In your career you have forged ahead, making your debut in A2 in Alessano at just 14 years old, up to the SuperLega. What pushed you to move down a category, choosing the Sorrento project in A3?
“My career so far has been a bit bizarre. I had the opportunity to play in the Superleague twice, first in Vibo and then in Padova, but on both occasions life decided differently. Maybe it wasn’t the right time yet. What happened to me taught me a lot. It’s obvious that every athlete aims for the best, but right now I’ve become aware that my main goal should be my serenity. Regardless of the category. I chose Sorrento because many people have spoken highly of the environment, the club and the fans: so I think it could be the ideal place for me to get back on the court. I’ve already been to the coast last December to visit a great friend of mine, the setter Alessandro Bellucci. He also advised me to seize this opportunity, and if he says so, having had an exciting season in Sorrento, I couldn’t help but follow his advice”.
What made you choose the libero role, and what are the aspects that you like the most?
“To be honest, it was the height! In the youth sector and in Serie C I have always played as a 4 player, also because it is the role that I enjoy the most. The choice of libero was then an evolution of my way of being on the pitch. I like to free myself in this position, and recover balls that people believe are already destined to fall on the taraflex. At the same time it is fun to see the amazement painted on people’s faces when they find themselves faced with endless exchanges of great intensity.”
For the libero, reception is the most important fundamental. What type of training do you do to always maintain high percentages?
“I believe in the work culture during the racing season. I always aim to improve myself. I really like individual training: on receiving, or touching ball after ball, to then arrive prepared for match day.”
How important is mental strength in your role. The libero does not have the same opportunities to show off compared to the other teammates, and like the goalkeeper in soccer he always has all eyes on him.
“From a mental point of view, the libero is a very demanding role. There can be a match where you only touch 2/3 balls per set, and if you are not able to defend them in an important way, everything becomes more difficult. Exactly like the goalkeeper in soccer, who if he is unable to oppose the few shots directed towards the goal, risks compromising the result of his team. The libero may be more relaxed because he can make up for it on the next ball, but he is undoubtedly more penalized than other players who attack more frequently. Those who do not know the world of volleyball cannot appreciate how tiring our role is from a psychological point of view”.
What do you personally expect from the season that is about to begin, and how far can the team go in light of the athletes already announced?
“My goal is to feel good from a human and professional point of view: then everything else will be a logical consequence. From what I perceive Sorrento has equipped a very good team, and I am convinced that this season we can do great things.”
You’ve already played in hot spots, and Sorrento won’t be any different. What relationship do you have with the fans, and how much desire is there to get to know the environment and be carried away by the warmth of the fans?
“I already know the environment, as I already saw a match at PalAtigliana last year where Sorrento won the entire stake. I have always been in teams and the support has always been fiery, starting from Alessano to Porto Viro. I’m pleased that the environment is nice and warm in Sorrento too, because it can give the team a big hand in the most delicate moments of a match.”
