After coach Marco Bartolini, last season’s captain is also leaving the white and blue jersey. Jacopo Biffi will no longer be the director of ErmGroup Altotevere after a three-year stint that included 73 appearances in the Credem Banca Serie A3 championship, scoring 213 points, 41 aces, and 75 blocks. He also achieved milestones: each time, he advanced one round in the playoffs, even nearly reaching the final in the final match in Belluno. And when it was time to say goodbye, his disappointment was inevitable and human: “It was my first adventure away from home and my region,” says the 26-year-old setter from Lecco, “and the disappointment is also due to the good people I met in a place where I felt very comfortable. However, I’m not disappointed by the results I achieved with the team.” And for him, the reasons for his departure are similar to those of Bartolini: “I’m convinced I gave my all, and after three years, both myself and the club needed to look further. Despite all this, it was a rewarding experience, with clear technical improvement: it was a constant crescendo, and if you stay in the same position for three years, it means you’re working hard and making progress.” Biffi will carry many memories in his suitcase, including the wonderful award given to him by the fans a few days ago. “There isn’t one particular memory,” Biffi emphasizes, “but it’s certain that when I leave, I’ll remember what I did in San Giustino, both in the gym and on the court, but also what I experienced outside of volleyball.” In listing the most memorable matches and, more importantly, victories from his time with ErmGroup, Biffi is straightforward: “I’ll pick out two from each season. Regarding the first, I can’t forget the 3-0 win against Casarano on the opening Sunday and the 3-1 win against Fano on Boxing Day, which allowed us to secure second place in the first leg and qualify for the Coppa Italia. From last year, I remember the 3-0 win against Ancona in the first leg of the second leg: it was the result of a comeback after an undoubtedly difficult first half. And then, the excellent 3-1 win against Sorrento in Game 2 of our semifinal draw. From the recently concluded championship, I’ll pick all the playoff games, especially the 3-2 win over Belluno in the first leg of the semifinal.”
