Marriage battle in Pool C at #EuroVolleyW
Story of the day
It doesn't happen often that we see marriages on the court, and situation when wife and husband stay on the opposite sides of the court during the EuroVolley match is even more unprecedented, but this happened on Wednesday's night in Zadar, when Croatia guided by Daniele Santarelli took on Italy with Monica De Gennaro in the squad.
The clash of two unbeaten teams in Pool C ended with straight-set victory of Italy (25-15, 25-23, 25-14). The Azzurre dominated in all elements, once Paola Egonu was at class of herself scoring as many as 24 points! Definitely it was no business as usual for Monica De Gennaro and Daniele Santarelli, the Italian couple who have worked with each each other at Imoco Volley Conegliano, this time stood on the opposite sides of the net.
"It was very strange for both of us. We never played against each other. Only once in the club, but I was an assistant coach then. Now this is the first time for the national team at a very important tournament for us, with first place in the pool at stake....
Daniele Santarelli...It was incredible at the beginning, when I saw her on the other side, it was not easy to accept. AFter this match I cheer for them again, because they have to continue the competition. It's an important experience for me. But I am sure that today when we come back to the hotel, we can maybe forget about what happened here and to be again husband and wife."
head coach of Croatia
He admitted that despite of this encounter, the couple didn't have 'quiet days' and they followed their normal routine. "We spoke with each other a lot, but in a normal way, nothing in particular, only for the atmosphere, our feelings, because it was strange. We didn't know what could happen and what we could expect from this match. At the beginning we were nervous, but then during the match when we played it all became normal."
