Just as the Italian national team was putting the finishing touches on their World Championship preparations, a blow rocked the 'Azzurri' camp. Instead of a calm training session in Turin, with hopes for a final surge, the coach and staff received two pieces of bad news – injuries to key players, which raise questions about the squad. This was reported by the Italian Volleyball Federation website. This happened before the start of the four-team tournament in Turin, where, in addition to the hosts, the teams of Bulgaria's opponent - Germany, Turkey, and the Netherlands are participating.

Giovanni Gargiulo's Injury

Central blocker Giovanni Gargiulo sustained a serious sprain to his right ankle tendon during a training session in Turin. Clinical-diagnostic examinations revealed capsulo-ligamentous damage. The player has been placed on rest and will undergo specific therapies. The national team's medical staff will closely monitor his condition to determine the recovery time.

Another Blow with Yuri Romano

Adding to this unpleasant news is the absence of opposite hitter Yuri Romano. During the same preparatory tournament in Piedmont, he felt muscle discomfort in his left thigh. Examinations confirmed the risk, and the staff decided to include him in a special program for differentiated loading, aiming for full and safe recovery. In the coming days, the medical team will carefully monitor the clinical process before determining when Romano can return to work with the team.

These two pieces of news are a heavy blow for coach De Giorgi. Gargiulo is among the main centers in the rotation, and Romano is a starting opposite who often rescues the team in difficult moments. On the eve of the World Championship, such injuries not only change tactical plans but also raise questions about the team's psychology. The Italian Federation specifies that both will be monitored daily, but the reaction time is extremely limited.

photo:volleyballworld.com