The portrait of coach Atanas Malinov, father of Ofelia Malinov, has been placed at the entrance of the new ChorusLife Arena in Bergamo, which was inaugurated at the end of last week.Under Malinov's leadership, Foppapedretti Bergamo became champions in the 1995/96 season.
The first sporting event in this ultramodern and multifunctional complex was Match 2 of the quarter-final playoffs between Volley Bergamo and Prosecco DOC Imoco Conegliano, which was not only memorable for the high level of play but also for the full capacity of the stands –5017 spectators - the new absolute attendance record in Serie A.
The match was not just a sporting spectacle, but also a cultural one, with special guests such as Francesca Piccinini, Paola Croce, and Leo Lo Bianco, who created an emotional atmosphere.
One of the most exciting moments in the clash between Bergamo and Conegliano was the passing of the torch between Francesca Piccinini and Monica De Gennaro.
Despite the age difference (46 years for the former, 38 for the latter), both share common traits in their exceptional sporting careers: a world champion for the former, an Olympic champion for the latter. Perfectly connecting their paths are numerous Serie A and Champions League titles, as well as thousands of other achievements.
The two were the icing on the cake of a successful festive day.
Named MVP of the match, Monica De Gennaro was awarded by Francesca Piccinini in the relay for the record of matches played, passing from one to the other.
With the 3-0 victory over Bergamo in the second match of the playoff quarter-finals, the libero from Campania became the player with the most appearances in Serie A history, reaching 631 matches,played between the championship (regular season and playoffs), the Italian Cup, and the Italian Supercup. A record that allowed her to surpass Francesca Piccinini (630) and establish herself as an absolute volleyball icon.
An extraordinary achievement for the 38-year-old athlete from Piano di Sorrento, considered the best libero in the world, who has worn the Conegliano jersey since 2013 and with whom she has won seven Serie A titles, as many Italian Cups, nine Italian Supercups, and two Champions Leagues. An incredible resume, enriched by successes with the national team, among which stand out an Olympic gold in Paris, a silver and a bronze medal from World Championships, a gold and a bronze medal from European Championships, two editions of the Nations League, and one World Cup.
Photos: volleyball.it,volleynews.itandecodibergamo.it
