It is exactly ten years ago that the Italian superstar Francesca Piccinini was crowned with a European Championship gold medal in the legendary Atlas Arena in Lodz (pictured below). Now she is back. But this time as a TV commentator for RAI. A completely new task for Piccinini. “I think it is easier to play Volleyball than to be a commentator! If I could change, I would easily go for being on the court agan,” she said with a laugh.
Francesca has an impressive record in her Volleyball career. A 2002 World Championship title for Italy, five national league crowns, two times Italian Cup winner, 4 Super Cups, 1 CEV Cup, 1 Cup Winners Cup, 1 European Super Cup and 6 titles in the CEV Champions League, the most recent with Igor Gorgonzola NOVARA in Berlin this spring. Nevertheless, she claims coming back to Lodz brings back lots of memories.
Francesca Piccinini“It was very emotional to sit on the tribune and listen to the Italian anthem.”
Italian Legend
"I wish I could turn back time and hold the good feeling inside me. The title we won ten years ago is one of the highlights of my career, so it was very emotional,” she said.
What the future has in hold for the Italian player is written in the stars. If it is working as a TV commentator or as a new title winner? She does not know yet.
“Every single day I wake up and think of Volleyball. Should I stop or should I continue? I have no idea. I have always chosen Volleyball because I love the sport, but everything has an end,” she reflected.
What the future has in hold for the Italian player is written in the stars. If it is working as a TV commentator or as a new title winner? She does not know yet. “Every single day when I wake up I think of Volleyball. Should I stop or should I continue? I have no idea. I have always chosen Volleyball because I love the sport, but I know everything has an end,” she concluded.