The 2017-2018 season is underway: Belluno Volley (then Da Rold Logistics) is in Serie C with a predominantly indigenous group with a very low average age. In that year at the net, the control room will be entrusted to a young man who grew up in Treviso Volleyball. Which will demonstrate all its value, so much so as to attract the interest of a Calabrian company from B. And eager to attempt the jump in category: the director in question is Ignacio Martinez. And the company is OmiFer Palmi. Yes, precisely the opponent that the rhinos will face on Sunday 14 April (6 pm), at the Spes Arena, for game 1 of the playoff quarter-finals.
TIES – It will be a special race for anyone. But above all for “Nacho”, the former player: «I was the second setter of a team that then managed to obtain promotion to Serie A3. And, when the starting setter got injured, I played seven matches.” A smile lights up Martinez’s face as he rewinds the tape of memories: «I am very close to Palmi. And to the guys with whom I shared the pitch and the locker room. So much so that every summer I return to Calabria to visit them: I have an extraordinary relationship with my old companions. Few times have I managed to establish such special bonds.”
IN CONTACT – Five years later, however, much of the squad linked to OmiFer has changed: «I am in contact with Peppino Carbone, Erminio Russo and Alberto Amato. By a curious twist of fate, they all act as a gang. I have already spoken to each of them: it will be an immense pleasure to meet them again, even if we are adversaries.”
PATIENT AND AGGRESSIVE – Game 1 is already upon us: «The path of the two teams was quite similar – continues “Nacho” -. Palmi too, like us, started with high expectations. And, after the initial difficulties, they proved to be a great team: not surprisingly, they won first the Italian Cup, then the A3 Super Cup. But we can play our cards.” Two, in particular: «We must be patient and, at the same time, aggressive in defense. Also to try to limit their main attacker: Pawel Stabrawa.”
ONLINE PRE-SALES – In the meantime, the company has opened presales to purchase tickets for Sunday’s match online: the reference site is www.bellunovolley.it.
