Rome, Sept. 7 (LaPresse) – "These girls worked with great dedication and played with courage even when we were struggling. These are values that mean a lot, and I believe this group deserved to win this way. Then a thought for my staff, from the medical to the technical: exceptional men and women who contributed to this triumph. Barbolini, Cichello, scoutman Taglioli, team manager Marcello Capucchio, all integral parts of this victory," said Julio Velasco, head coach of Italy’s women’s world champion volleyball team after the final against Turkey. "It’s a victory that also came thanks to work off the court, helping to create a mentality that was already there and that we managed to bring out. These girls just needed to be helped to bring out these values, and we succeeded. I wanted independent and authoritative girls, and I have a group that achieved great things. This victory brought me greater emotions than the Olympics because it was a long, difficult competition, full of challenges. For this reason, it has a different and wonderful flavor. I dedicate this win to Giuseppe Brusi, Leo Novi, and my first coach and mentor from Argentina who passed away this year. Finally, thanks to the Italian Volleyball Federation, which allows us to work at our best, providing us with technical and economic resources as well as daily support."
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