Genova claims bocce crown in thrilling final
Genova’s A.B. Genovese femminile have clinched the Italian Bocce championship, securing a hard-fought 12-10 victory over Vita Nova in a final that lived up to its dramatic billing. This triumph marks the culmination of a three-year project of growth and team identity, culminating in a well-deserved recognition as a Top FIB Team.
A decade of dominance for the women’s squad
The victory, spearheaded by a cohesive group and expertly guided by head coach David Galeno, represents a significant milestone. Galeno, reflecting on the achievement, emphasized the team’s enduring strength: “It’s the cherry on top of a three-year effort. The beauty of it is that we’ve built a truly tight-knit group – the girls are incredibly synchronized.”
President Gianluca Grondona celebrated the win, highlighting the team’s consistent performance over recent years: “We’ve had a fantastic season, consistently at the top for years. Last year we finished second and this much-deserved and beautiful victory is finally here.”
Vice-captain damonte’s emotional testimony
Vice-captain Alfredo Damonte, who founded the team from a nascent state, expressed profound emotion: “This victory felt particularly special, as I’ve been involved from the very beginning. From 2024, we’ve rebuilt the squad, progressing from third, second, and now first – it’s been a remarkable maturation, both technically and personally. I’ve spent 35 years in this environment, and it’s the most exhilarating experience of my career.”
Sara Ferrera, a key player, described the tension of the final: “The pressure was immense; our opponents were determined to win. Despite the adrenaline, we managed to fully enjoy the intense match, with a score of 12-10 confirming the balance of play.”
A future secured
Looking ahead, the team’s stability is paramount. Galeno remained cautiously optimistic: “We’ll savor this moment, but there’s time to reflect on what’s to come. The priority is to safeguard the foundation we’ve built.”
Laura Cardo added: “Technically, we were a complete team, but finals are always tense and open. Our strength lay in our ability to respond to mistakes with decisive plays, helping each other along the way.”
The A.B. Genovese femminile’s victory is a testament to dedication, teamwork, and a long-term commitment to excellence.