Rome, Italy, June 18, 2015 - Italy take on Brazil at the Foro Italico in Rome on Friday, in a match-up between the FIVB Volleyball World League's two most successful teams. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Italy coach Mauro Berruto promised fans an unforgettable event.
The Foro Italico hosted as many as 11000 fans during last year's World League competition, when Italy played Poland at the venue.
Italy coach Mauro Berruto said: "Italy-Brazil is more than a volleyball match. Don’t talk about this match from a technical point of view, because this match is about something else altogether - it is an event which will be remembered for yours to come. We now have six very difficult World League matches ahead of us and we have to improve technically and mentally for the Finals in Rio de Janeiro. I want to thank my federation and everyone who has made it possible for us to play at this amazing venue again."
Italy captain Dragan Travica said: "There will be some differences compared with playing indoors, but the important thing will be to play with passion and giving the audience a fun experience. It will be a good examination of our maturity as a team and we hope to make our fans happy. In training we are improving, compared to where we were ahead of previous matches, and we want to translate this to the court this weekend. When we play for our nation, we always play for the people."
Brazil captain Bruno Rezende said: "Playing against Italy at the Foro Italico will be unforgettable. We have never played outdoors before and it will be a huge emotion. It will be a very difficult match, they have a very aggressive serve and we will serve with the same aggressiveness. Coming back to Rome, the city where we won a World Championship five years ago, is something that excites us."
Brazil assistant coach Leonaldo Roberley said: "It will not be a match like others. Brazil-Italy is always a difficult and demanding match and I’m sure that the two teams will commit themselves to giving the audience a great show. We expect the tribunes to be full, because we know how volleyball is loved in Italy."