November 9th UPDATE: We’re a bit shocked on her revelation about her medical condition which forced her to skip the 2011 World Cup. Italy’s one and only Francesca Piccinini has opened up to the media and revealed that she has THYROID PROBLEMS which is the major major cause on why she is always tired and has totally affected her game.
Watch & Learn:
We really hope she can over this challenge and recover fast. We think she still has a great shot of helping Italy win an Olympic medal next year (if they qualify). Like what we’ve said before, Italy is not the same without Queen Picci aka The Most Beautiful World Champion.
Here are some quotes from this article:
“No doubt there were some misunderstandings, but the problem is that, however, I didn’t feel fine physically, I was always tired and I couldn’t understand why. As far as we know today this should be at 99% a problem of thyroid. So now I will undergo some medical cares and I hope I will shine as much as I used to do because now I’m down/low (low in spirits). Now I feel quite good but I could feel better, considering also the fact that my teammates are playing the world cup and I’m at home recovering. I’m glad that everything is going well but I’m sorry especially for my health. Reports said that I had no stimuli, but that’s not true, I have lots of them. My goal is always London, this is why I had to take this difficult and considered choice. First of all comes health, also because I couldn’t make my contribution to my teammates. Physically I’m not good, actually I was empty. Now that i know the reason, I’m looking forward to finding the appropriate cure for me to come back to court”.
She also added more about her condition…
“I’ve been at rest in this period, as I cannot do anything else, I had lots of tests and I should have found a remedy, I hope so. Also because I have another problem that I don’t want to tell in advance. I waited a lot before talking because I’m a very reserved person. I heard lots of rumors, but I just want to specify that I didn’t refuse my national team because I didn’t feel like, but because I’m not feeling fine.
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Italy will not be the same without her at the 2011 World Cup.
One of Italy’s most experienced players and one of the world’s most beautiful world champions asked Coach Barbolini to let her go and exclude her from Italy’s roster for the upcoming 2011 FIVB World Cup to be held in Japan next week.
Here’s Queen Piccinini’s statement:
“Sono stanca e affaticata, non riesco a lavorare come vorrei. Sono una persona seria, non credo che poter dare il contributo giusto in un torneo difficile e lungo come la Coppa del Mondo. Ho avuto un colloquio sincero con Massimo Barbolini e con i dirigenti federali e gli ho detto che non me la sento di affrontare un impegno cosi’ importante. Andare ancora una volta alle Olimpiadi e’ un mio grande desiderio, ma oggi penso di non poter dare alla nazionale quel che serve per conquistare la qualificazione. Sono convinta che le mie compagne azzurre sapranno fare benissimo, io faro’ un grande tifo per loro”.
Uncle Google Translates:
“I’m tired and fatigued. I can’t work as I would. I’m a serious person. I don’t think I can give to the team the right contribution in a long and difficult tournament like the World Cup. I had a sincere meeting with Massimo Barbolini and leaders of the Italian Federation. I told them that I don’t feel a commitment so important. To qualify and play at the Olympics is a great desire, but today I think I couldn’t give to the National Team what is required to win and qualify at the World Cup.”
We totally respect Picci’s decision. For sure it wasn’t an easy choice to make.
We all witnessed her poor performance at the 2011 Grand Prix and 2011 European Championship. We saw a different Piccinini. She looked tired, inefficient and her gestures seemed like she really needed a way out or take a break from the National Team.
Piccinini deserves a break! As far as we know, she started playing for Italy in 1997 (?) and has been on the team since then. Her memorable victories with Italia include winning the World Title in 2002, 2007 and 2009 European Championships and the 2007 World Cup. Picci has played in 3 Olympics (2000, 2004 and 2008) but hasn’t won any medal yet.
At the moment, she can focus on her club commitments with Bergamo which won’t be physically demanding for her. Hopefully, she regains her great form just in time for the Olympic Qualification tourney and at the London Olympics – if Italy qualifies.
So this is Italy’s roster for the 2011 FIVB World Cup:
Setters: Lo Bianco, Signorile
Middle Blockers: Anzanello, Arrighetti, Gioli, Folie
Outside Hitters: Caterina Bosetti, Lucia Bosetti, Barcellini, Costagrande, Del Core.
Opposite Hitter: Ortolani
Libero: Croce, Sirressi
A great set of players but we honestly think that this squad will have a difficult time defending Italy’s World Cup crown which also translates to Italy not finishing in the Top 3.
But again…
Anything can happen in volleyball.
We wish Italia & Queen Piccinini the best!
Do You Think Italy Will Finish in the Top 3 at the World Cup?
Do You Think Italy Will Finish in the Top 3 at the World Cup?
Do You Think Italy Will Finish in the Top 3 at the World Cup?