Sanremo is a temple of Italian music. But on the third festival evening, the spotlights illuminated something different from a microphone and musical notes – volleyball charisma. Colleagues from volleynews.it tell about this amusing incident.

Ferdinando "Fefè" De Giorgi appeared in the Ariston Theatre during the live broadcast on Rai 1 – shortly after performances by Eros Ramazzotti and Alicia Keys and just before one of the dazzling costume changes of the host Irina Shayk. Volleyball literally "entered" the festival – albeit symbolically from the front rows, not from the center of the stage.

Host Carlo Conti did not miss the opportunity to recall the guest's impressive resume – five world titles. Three as a setter from Italy's legendary generation and two as a coach of the "Azzurri".

And Fefè's response was in his style – precise, slightly ironic, and with a sense of timing:

"Let's say this is an event I really like, and I try to be ready every four years!"

The reference to the old World Championship cycle was understood instantly. The audience reacted with applause and laughter, and De Giorgi showed that he knows how to win points even off the court.

After the humorous moment, the conversation logically shifted to the future of the national team. The coach outlined the busy schedule – participation in the Volleyball Nations League and the big goal for the summer: the European Championship, which will be held in Italy.

Special emphasis was placed on the opening match on September 10th in Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples – an open-air stage that promises to be no less impressive than the one in "Ariston".

"It will be a wonderful event, because only Italy can combine a sports forum with its unique environment in this way," emphasized De Giorgi.

And ultimately – if music in Sanremo is measured in hits, Fefè De Giorgi has long had his platinum discography in volleyball. This evening he simply added another different chord to it.

photo: screenshot RAI(volleynews.it)