Team Italy women's softball squad welcomes new manager Federico Pizzolini to defend Euro championship throne and medal in Tokyo Olympics in honor of Enrico Obletter
Often in the shadow of the late and great Team Italy women's softball squad manager Enrico Obletter, coach Federico Pizzolini is now in the spotlight as his new replacement. With the daunting task of leading the Azzurre to back-to-back European Championship titles at the end of June in Friuli Venezia Giulia and a bronze or better finish in the Tokyo Olympics three weeks later, manager Federico Pizzolini is more than qualified to take on the challenge with the blessing of President Andrea Marcon and the Federal Council.
During an informal Federal Council meeting via video conference on March 4, 2021, it was unanimously decided that the work begun by Enrico Obletter should be entrusted to Federico Pizzolini, who has consistently been involved in every single coaching decision while carrying out the four-year master plan for Team Italy to develop into a softball powerhouse capable of competing against the game's elite in the Tokyo Olympics. The new manager will joined by longtime coaches Julio La Rosa and Giovanna Palermi. More details regarding the softball staff will be revealed later this month.
FIBS President Andrea Marcon said, "When I met with Roberta Soldi and Daniela Castellani, the need immediately emerged to give continuity of the work carried out in recent years by Enrico and therefore the choice fell naturally on Federico Pizzolini. I personally asked Giovanna Palermi to remain in her staff, despite the great pain that struck her, receiving from her the answer I most desired and that is the guarantee of her maximum commitment to realize the dream she and her husband shared. On March 21st, there will be the next national team meeting which Roberta, Daniela and I will attend. That will be an opportunity to meet the great family that we have built together with Enrico over the years and to start again together towards new goals and results."
Federico Pizzolini was born in Trieste in 1964. During his sporting career, he played baseball for Black Panthers di Ronchi Legionarii until he reached the A1 series. Once his playing days were over, he became a coach for Ronchi dei Legionari, Porpetto, Castionese, San Marino before becoming an integral part of the coaching staff for the Team Italy men's and women's softball squads. Not only was Enrico Obletter a masterful teacher on the diamond to Federico Pizzolini and Team Italy, but also an unforgettable friend to all who knew and loved him. New manager Federico Pizzolini is now the man to pick up where he left off. The Team Italy women's softball squad welcomes him with open arms. Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
