Bologna –
Cecilia Zandalasini was interviewed by Il Resto del Carlino: “We are fine, we are going through a good moment of form and the two playoff series played so far are a confirmation. There is great confidence in our means and what is very important we have the court factor in our favor; on Saturday at PalaDozza there will be many fans to support us it will be beautiful and fundamental. Schio has confirmed itself as a great team, we will have to keep our concentration: we are more ready than last year, we have more experience and better characteristics to do well, then it is obvious that words will leave room for the court and we will have to be good and take the court to win.”
A Paladozza that will be sold out: “It will be beautiful, already against Crema and Geas the numbers were high and growing, we feel the interest and warmth of the public, especially for a unique event like a final. There is a collective growth but it is difficult to find other places outside Bologna where it is possible to bring more than 5,000 spectators to a game. Companies like Virtus give and are giving great impetus to the growth of women’s basketball.”
A review of the season? “So far it has been a good season. Obviously there have been ups and downs, the Euroleague beyond the final result was a huge experience for all of us, a starting point and reflection on how to improve, understand our mistakes and make it a moment of collective growth. In the league the goal of first place was achieved with merit, in the Italian Cup we were ready but a couple of injuries cut our legs, moreover Venice against us played a great game, deserving the final. On a personal level my role has changed since I was at Fener and also in coach Ticchi’s system. I definitely feel I have grown in maturity as well, trying to get my teammates involved in the game as well. Schio is complete in all departments, has experience from having played this kind of game many times, for us it is a rematch, we want to show what we are worth. At this point and at these levels, whoever has the most desire wins, and we will put in a lot of it.”
Mr. Zanetti’s dream? “It is what the company set for itself when it started with the women’s team. In the last two years we have shown that we can compete with Venice and Schio for the top, now we are here, the last steps are missing to hit the finish line.”
