Ortolani Misses London

Ouch!

There’s gotta be a reason why Coach Barbolini decided not to take opposite hitter Serena Ortolani to London. The 25 year old has been replaced by Lucia Bosetti’s sister,Caterina Bosetti, who is only 18 & MVP of the 2011 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Junior World Championship.

In our honest opinion, Ortolani might not be the world’s brightest opposite hitter but she totally deserved to go over the inexperienced Caterina. Don’t get us wrong, we find the young Bosetti talented but we’re talking about the Olympics! The world’s biggest and most prestigious sports tournament with all athletes hungry to win the GOLDDDDDDD. You need a lot of experience to handle the pressure playing on the Olympic.

But we totally respect Coach Barbo’s choices.

Also, does Italy really need a strong hitting opposite? Not really. Lucia Bosetti managed to play this part at the 2011 World Cup which Italy won. With Costagrande, Piccinini and Del Core as the wing spikers, Italy is pretty much balanced and has what it takes to medal or maybe win the gold.

At this point, we’re also surprised why several teams decided to take 2 liberos (like USA?) rather than taking another all around outside hitter. Defense is the top priority for most coaches in London.

Anyways, here’s the following players will represent ITALY in London:

Setters: Eleonora Lo Bianco, Giulia Rondon
Middle Blockers: Valentina Arrighetti, Simona Gioli, Jenny Barazza
Hitters: Caterina Bosetti, Lucia Bosetti, Francesca Piccinini, Antonella Del Core, Carolina Costagrande
L: Paola Croce, Paola Cardullo

Aside from Ortolani, middle blocker Sara Anzanello has also been cut from the team.

Do You Think This Roster will WIN GOLD in London?

Do You Think This Roster will WIN GOLD in London?

Do You Think This Roster will WIN GOLD in London?

(images: FIVB)