The air in Bangkok is thick with anticipation, and for the Italian Women`s National Volleyball team, it`s also thick with the scent of victory. Having emphatically secured their spot in the World Championship semifinals with a flawless 3-0 sweep against a formidable Polish squad, Italy is undeniably a force to be reckoned with. At the heart of this remarkable ascent is the legendary coach, Julio Velasco, whose calm demeanor belies a strategic mind shaping a team destined for greatness.
The Velasco Doctrine: Precision, Poise, and Psychological Edge
Velasco, a name synonymous with volleyball excellence, isn`t one for hyperbolic declarations. “We feel very strong,” he conceded after the Poland match, “but we know that every game has its own story.” This measured confidence is a hallmark of his coaching philosophy, one that emphasizes meticulous preparation and unwavering focus. The statistics speak volumes: five matches played, five victories, and just a single set conceded. It`s a run that mirrors their impressive performance at Paris 2024, hinting at a deep-seated consistency under his stewardship.
His methods are simple yet profoundly effective. What impressed him most about his team against Poland? “The girls` approach was beautiful, especially in blocking at the beginning. That fundamental worked very well, then the defense also grew.” He consistently highlights the team`s “balance” and the crucial “contribution from the bench,” where substitutes enter with palpable motivation. This isn`t merely about raw talent; it`s about a cohesive unit where every player understands their role and is prepared to deliver.
Tactical Chess and the Art of the Timeout
Velasco`s in-game adjustments are the stuff of legend. Against Germany, a well-timed substitution turned the tide. Against Poland, a single timeout was enough to recalibrate. When asked what was said during that pivotal pause, Velasco revealed a surgical precision: “Mainly tactical things. First, I focused on number 24, Damaske, who was causing us difficulty with her diagonal attack. So we adjusted the jump timing. Then we moved to Stysiak, who was hitting through our block because our middle blocker couldn`t close it off. Once the girls returned, they managed to retrieve two or three very important balls and restarted their momentum.” It`s a testament to his ability to identify and rectify issues in real-time, often with just “one word,” as he noted earlier.
A defining characteristic of this Italian side is their disciplined error management. “It`s true, especially in serving, we make very few errors, while Poland was much more error-prone.” Velasco attributes this difference to their opponents being forced to take greater risks against Italy`s robust reception and blocking. These fundamentals, meticulously trained, are the bedrock of their low error rate, turning opponents` aggression into self-inflicted wounds.
A Protector and a Mentor: The Human Element
Beyond the diagrams and drills, Velasco fosters a deep connection with his players. When asked about Sylla and Egonu`s performance, he was clear: “Yes, very much, but the whole team is convincing me. They are all focused on what they need to do without looking too far ahead.” The psychological hurdle of the Round of 16 against Germany, which they overcame with a decisive 3-0, significantly boosted their collective confidence.
Perhaps the most telling moment of his protective nature came during the Poland match. After a Polish player made a “provocative” gesture towards the young Stella Nervini following a block, Velasco didn`t hesitate. “If you touch Stella, who is the smallest in the group, I get angry,” he recounted, illustrating his immediate response by pointing his fingers at himself, essentially saying, “Look at me, not her.” It`s a subtle yet powerful display of guardianship, ensuring his players feel secure and respected. Such moments, often unseen by the casual observer, cement the bond between coach and team, turning individuals into an unbreakable unit.
Bangkok Calling: A Fortunate Coincidence
The journey continues to the semifinals, where Italy awaits either Brazil or France. Velasco, with a characteristic chuckle, quipped he`d “prefer to meet the one who loses,” acknowledging Brazil`s perceived strength with a hint of good-natured rivalry.
Bangkok itself holds a special significance. It was here, last year, that this very group secured their first trophy under Velasco in the Nations League. This “beautiful coincidence” is amplified by the fervent local support. “It`s nice to hear the fans in Thailand supporting our girls,” Velasco noted. “The team and the players are liked. Here, they could cheer for anyone, but they chose our players.” It`s a testament not only to Italy`s compelling style of play but also to the charisma of its athletes, who leave the venue laden with gifts from adoring fans.
In a sport where every point counts, Julio Velasco`s influence extends far beyond the scoreline. He`s not just coaching; he`s cultivating a culture of excellence, a symphony of skill, strategy, and solidarity. As Italy marches deeper into the World Championship, one thing is clear: with Velasco at the helm, the performance is always worth watching.
Murray Blackwood