“Working mentally and starting to do those simple things that have been the key to our winning streak.” ErmGroup Altotevere’s difficult early 2026 period is seen from the perspective of the coaching staff, represented in this case by Davide Marra, assistant coach to Marco Bartolini and Mirko Monaldi and the team’s athletic trainer. As a player who played until age 40 and enjoyed a very high-level career, he has experienced a variety of situations and can therefore offer an undoubtedly credible interpretation. “In less suspicious times than these,” the former libero and white-and-blue captain begins, “I had already said that the mental aspect needed to take a step forward. The losses against Belluno and Reggio Emilia took away some of our confidence and tranquility after two months of consistent success, and we’re carrying this burden with us. The home match against Sarroch highlighted the situation: we lost two sets, one due to errors and the other dominated by our opponents, then we fought back to tie the game at 2-2, and in the tie-break we opened with four missed serves.”
