Del Monte® Supercoppa SuperLega was presented this morning in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region’s Reception Hall. The tournament will take place at the PalaTrieste this weekend, with the Semifinals scheduled for Saturday, February 28th, and the Final, broadcast live on Rai 2, on Sunday, March 1st.
Roberto Dipiazza (Mayor of Trieste): “A huge thank you to those who chose this city to organize an event like this. I’m proud that Trieste was chosen for this Final Four: I wish everyone the best of luck for the success of the event.”
Massimo Righi (President of the Serie A Volleyball League): “We were delighted to return to Trieste to bring the 30th edition of the Del Monte® Supercoppa: a beautiful city that hosts major events, thanks in part to the vision of Governor Fedriga, who understood how sport can be a driving force for the region. The event is of the highest caliber, and I also want to thank the athletes and coaches present today. The Supercoppa is one of the most difficult events to replicate at a global level, given the enormous technical quality displayed on the court. We’re heading towards a sell-out for Sunday, and we’re also approaching a full house for the semifinals: we’re delighted with how the city has responded. The Final will be on Rai 2, an important element for promoting volleyball throughout the region.”
Alessandro Michelli (President of the FIPAV Friuli-Venezia Giulia Territorial Committee): “Thanks to those who made this event possible: the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region, the Municipality of Trieste, and the Serie A Volleyball League. We decided to believe in a place where high-level volleyball had been missing since 2007. I would like to thank in advance everyone who will work to ensure the event runs smoothly.”
Giuseppe Manfredi (FIPAV President): “A stellar event like the one we’re about to witness will take place in a splendid setting. For three years, the CEV Champions League Final Four will be played in Italy: the moment Italian volleyball is experiencing is splendid, and the results are favorable. But it’s the result not only of the Federation, but exclusively of the team: as long as we work together, with the goal of improving day by day, Italian volleyball will continue to progress. We promise to return to this splendid city as often as possible.”
Massimiliano Fedriga (President of the Autonomous Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia): “We are proud of this international initiative that we will host in Trieste. Italian volleyball has grown steadily in recent years, thanks to solid projects and the extraordinary results achieved, both for men and women, which have given the sport a strong identity and contributed to increasing its appeal and participation. Establishing and growing a sport in our country is no easy feat. Congratulations to those who, with skill and vision, have been able to enhance this discipline. This is an opportunity not only for volleyball, but for the entire sports system and for the country as a whole. In Trieste, we will see some of the best players in the world. This is not just an Italian event, but a global event, which can only fill us with pride and confirms our willingness to collaborate to organize events of this caliber in Trieste and throughout Friuli-Venezia Giulia.”
Marcelo Mendez (Coach, Itas Trentino): “In the Italian league, there’s a lot of good football to be played. I want to participate in all these events, which are really well organized. As a team, we’ll try to do our best, aiming to show off our good play.”
Fabio Soli (Coach Rana Verona): “We’re feeling better, recovering. Now we’re preparing for a wonderful event in a beautiful city. In the semifinals, we’ll face Cucine Lube Civitanova, who have been challenging us this season.”
Rok Mozic (Captain Rana Verona): “Until Wednesday, we were thinking about the championship, but now our focus is on Civitanova and tomorrow’s semifinal. We know what we need to improve on: we’re excited for the Del Monte® Super Cup, and we’ll give our best, hoping to play two games and not just one.”
Angelo Lorenzetti (Coach Sir Susa Scai Perugia): “This year’s Super Cup is special: first and foremost because it’s a kind of copy-and-paste of the Coppa Italia. Usually, it’s played at the beginning of the season, when the fruits of hard work haven’t yet been seen. From a technical standpoint, it’s certainly more valuable. Playing it in a splendid city like Trieste adds value. I hope these will be two important days: we’re happy to be here. I hope the boys find a way to have fun.”
Agustin Loser (Middle-Half Sir Susa Scai Perugia): “It’s a difficult time for me; an injury has come during a very good period for volleyball. I believe in the boys; they’re fired up and motivated for the semifinal against Itas Trentino. The goal is to go all the way: we know Trento knows how to approach these matches well, it won’t be easy. Even if I’m out, I’ll try to be as close as possible to them.”
