After representing Italy for almost 20 years, Italian legend and World Champion Eleonora Lo Bianco has retired from the National Team. Therefore, we will NOT see her at the European Olympic Qualification next month in Turkey.
“It’s my choice and it’s due to personal reasons. I have thought about it a lot and finally reached this decision. It hurts but it’s for the best.”
The 35 year old’s success with Italy includes a World Championship crown in 2002, 2007 and 2011 FIVB World Cup titles, gold medal at the 2009 FIVB Grand Champions Cup and 2 Euro Volley gold medals (2007 & 2009).
In 2010, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and has been on remission since then.
Leo last competed for Italy at the 2015 European Championship with Italy finishing a disappointing 7th.
She is currently playing in the Italian League with Bergamo.
With Lo Bianco’s exit, Coach Bonitta updated his preliminary roster led by a few veterans namely Francesca Piccinini, Nadia Centoni and Antonella Del Core.
Setters:
Francesca Ferretti
Ofelia Malinov
Alessia Orro
Noemi Signorile
Opposite Hitters:
Nadia Centoni
Valentina Diouf
Serena Ortolani
Outside Hitters:
Caterina Bosetti
Lucia Bosetti
Antonella Del Core
Paola Egonu
Alessia Gennari
Anastasia Guerra
Francesca Piccinini
Middle Blockers:
Sara Bonifacio
Cristina Chirichella
Anna Danesi
Raphaela Folie
Martina Guiggi
Liberos:
Monica De Gennaro
Stefania Sansonna
Immacolata Sirressi
This roster will be cut down to 14.
Click here to visit the official website.
(images: FIVB/ cev.lu)