Susanna Soldi joins Team Italy women’s softball squad in Australia

With Elena Chiesa not being able to participate in the 2019 Asia Pacific Cup and the Summer Slam in Sydney, Australia, Team Italy women’s softball manager Enrico Obletter has called upon Susanna Soldi to join the 16 other Azzurre players for the international competitions. Considered by many as the unsung hero who helped Team Italy win the recent U19 and U22 Women’s Softball European Championships, Susanna Soldi hopes to bring some of her magic to the land Down Under.

At the U19 Women’s Softball European Championship in Ronchi dei Legionari, Susanna Soldi proved her weight in gold when she picked up her second save of the championship series after pitching 2.2. scoreless innings against Ireland in the championship game on July 21, 2018. Not only did she seal the deal on the mound for Team Italy, but she also was very productive offensively. Susanna Soldi led the team in hits (19), triples (4) and batting average (.543).

A week later Susanna Soldi was busy at work to bring home the U22 Women’s Softball European Championship title in Trnava, Slovakia on July 28, 2018. Behind 1 - 0 early in the final game against the Netherlands, leadoff hitter Susanna Soldi knocked in the tying run and later crossed the plate to give Team Italy the lead. In the late innings, relief pitcher Susanna Soldi was summoned to preserve the slim advantage and successfully closed out the game to win the U22 Women’s Softball European Championship.

Team Italy women’s softball manager Enrico Obletter believes utility player Susanna Soldi can contribute in the second annual Asia Pacific Cup from January 31 - February 3, 2019 and the inaugural Summer Slam competition from February 4 - 6, 2019 at Sydney’s Blacktown International Sportspark. He said, “Susanna Soldi is a young and talented athlete. In addition to being a left-handed hitter and pitcher, she is an outfielder with speed and a good arm. She sees the ball well off the bat. She can also play at first base being a natural left-handed fielder. As a hitter, she has decent pop and can also slap and bunt her way on. She has a fearless attitude and really needs to play international tournaments at this level to mature and become an important player for Team Italy.” Undoubtedly the loudest voice out of the Team Italy dugout is that of Susanna Soldi. She cheers on her teammates until the final out of the game is called and truly embodies the Azzurre spirit. 

Manager Enrico Obletter will be accompanied in Australia by coaches Federico Pizzolini and Lisa Birocci-Banse, video analyst Giovanna Palermi, physician Gaetano Schiavottiello, and physiotherapist Ulise Hernandez. Team Italy players include: Chiara Bassi, SS (Collechio), Valeria Bettinsoli, OF (Saronno), Mariel Bertossi, C / INF (Saronno), Laura Bigatton, OF / P, Priscilla Brandi, INF (Pianoro), Ilaria Cacciamani, P (Forli), Elisa Cecchetti, C / OF (Bollate), Greta Cecchetti, P (Bollate), Amanda Fama, INF (Bollate), Marta Gasparotto, INF (Bussolengo), Giulia Longhi, INF (Bussolengo), Fabrizia Marrone, OF (Bussolengo), Alice Nicolini, P (Saronno), Erika Piancastelli, C / INF (Forli), Elisa Princic, C / SS / OF, Alessandra Rotondo, C / INF (Saronno), and Susanna Soldi, IF / OF / P (Bussolengo). Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti