Team Italy manager Enrico Obletter builds on confidence in Asia Pacific Cup to prepare U19 Juniors for Pescara Spring Training with Seniors

Despite being the long shot as the lone European representative in the 2018 Asia Pacific Cup in Sydney, Team Italy U19 Women's Softball manager Enrico Obletter has a lot to be proud about after winning two games during the recent week-long international journey. Having achieved a renewed sense of confidence that they could indeed compete with softball's elite in Australia, the Italian U19 Juniors successfully accomplished what they set out to do in taking the first step in preparing themselves for the upcoming Team Italy Women’s Softball Spring Training beginning March 11, 2018 in Pescara. Azzurre skipper Enrico Obletter said. “I think we played well considering we had no time on the field before going to Australia. Most of our players hadn’t seen a field since September. Giulia Longhi and Marta Gasparotto were head and shoulders above all. Greta Cecchetti threw some gems. We hit well but committed tons of errors. It was definitely a great tournament overall.” With all eyes set on the U19 Women’s Softball European Championship at Ronchi dei Legionari, Staranzano and Cervignano del Friuli Fields in northeast Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia from July 16-21, 2018, the Juniors face an uphill battle against some talented squads in nearby countries. Team Italy is placed in very competitive Group A with rival the Netherlands, Spain, Israel, and the Ukraine. Group B features the always tough Czech Republic, Belgium, Serbia, Malta and Bulgaria. Group C pools together up-and-coming Great Britain, Russia, Denmark and Ireland, while Group D consists of Germany, Croatia, Poland and France. When asked to speculate on how the Juniors would do in the U-19 Women’s Softball European Championship, Team Italy manager Enrico Obletter was optimistic. He said, “As for the Juniors, I believe that we will do well. Winning it all…I don’t know. Pitching as usual will be key. Great Britain and Holland are favorites with the Czech Republic as the outsider.” Obletter thinks the upcoming combined Team Italy Women’s Softball Spring Training coupled with the U19 players participating in the Italian Softball League (ISL) will be critical to their success in the 2018 Women’s Softball European Championship. “Our U19 team playing in the ISL weekly will be big in the buildup to the Euros in Ronchi. We have some very talented players there. Laura Vigna, Alessandra Rotondo, and Susanna Soldi are just a few,” said Obletter. Undoubtedly the more experience the Azzurre women gain on the diamond, the better Team Italy will fare in the 2018 U19 Women's Softball European Championship. Let's wish manager Enrico Obletter and his talented U19 squad the best... Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen 

by Roberto Angotti