We won’t see her at the Grand Prix but she is planning on rejoining the team at the World Championship in Italia.
2011 World Cup MVP and 2012 Olympian Argentinian-turned-Italian Carolina Costagrande has received an invitation to play from Coach Bonitta after the injury of Lucia Bosetti.
Carol tells pallavoliamo.it:
“In my heart I was really hoping that this call would come. I did not hesitate to declare my willingness to play for the Italian National Team.
However, I am very sorry on Lucia’s injury. I know that she will recover soon and will return stronger than ever. There is no doubt that the National Team has lost a lot because of her injury. She is not just an excellent player but also a great person.”
A source tells Volleywood that Piccinini initially did NOT like the fact that Carolina was asked to play again but she was later convinced by Coach Bonitta after a serious closed door conversation.
“The drama between former Coach Barbolini and Piccinini during and after the 2012 Olympics somewhat ruined Picci’s friendship with Costagrande. Barbolini made Costagrande a starter while Picci was just a bench player throughout the Olympic Games.”
The source also adds that the Italian players are feeling the pressure to perform better at the World Champs which they won in 2002.
“Lucia will be missed for sure but the great thing is that every player on the team right now is working hard to become better and stronger for the World Champs. Players and the coaching staff want to make sure the home fans will be proud of them. The team is a work in progress. Players have been asked to set aside all their differences and to work together no matter what.”
Hope it all works out for Costgranda, Picci and Team Italia!
(images: Pallavoliamo.it)
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