Papi stays: “I couldn’t say no”

Samuele Papi will play for a sixth season in Piacenza. So far he helped the club win the Challenge Cup 2013 and the Italian Cup 2014. “What is it that convinced me to extend my career? Well, first of all feeling the great faith and respect the Piacenza managers, Pighi, Molinaroli and Cottarelli, have in me – explained Papi – I had talked a lot with them, we had that lunch together and though I was very uncertain at the start, I eventually decided to stay. I just couldn’t say no to people who had so much faith in me, I didn’t expect it. I want to continue as well to redeem myself from last season, which was a bit bitter. The new team that is being put together has great ambition, the first signings have been excellent. Hierrezuelo and Hernandez did wonders in Molfetta, they get along very well on court and I am sure they will show all their quality in Piacenza too. Alletti is a quality middle blocker, he’s solid and has polished fundamentals. I think these additions are an excellent starting point on which to build a competitive team and I have no doubt the club will make more important moves on the market”.