“We are counting on the Gabi effect to win over the public”

Current world champion, Conegliano arrived in São Paulo this Sunday (7/12) for the 2025 edition of the Women’s Club World Championship. In the bag, coach Daniele Santarelli is counting on Gabi’s presence in front of Brazilian volleyball fans to gain support during the competition.

According to the Italian commander, everyone’s expectation is to take advantage of Brazil’s rare opportunity to have Gabi on the pitch in a club competition to attract local fans.

– We have been preparing for some time to do our best, we hope to reach the final, but we have to think game by game. We can’t wait to experience the warmth of the Brazilian fans who await us in São Paulo. We will have the opportunity to have fun with those who follow us live and we are counting on the Gabi effect to attract a good audience – commented Santarelli.

RIVALS AND TECHNICAL LEVEL

Regarding the main challenges of the World Cup, the coach does not hide the lack of knowledge of some rivals, but admits that the level of several of them is lower than that encountered by Conegliano in Italy.

– It’s a competition like no other in terms of pace and environment. It will be a special tournament: there will be competitive teams like Scandicci, the Brazilians who will have the support of their fans and the American team from Orlando. However, we do not hide it: compared to the Italian teams, the technical level is different. In these cases, the Europeans always have the advantage, but the unknowns exist and we will have to prepare for any eventuality – analyzed Santarelli.

The commander also spoke about the confrontation with Dentil/Praia Clube, probably the most difficult of the first phase.

– We started against Orlando, a new team about which we have little information. You will have to pay attention to their strengths. We will face Praia, a team we have already met in other World Cups. We know the team, its value and the experience of the players. The calendar will be extended and we hope to play the five scheduled matches. We will have to manage match days well to find energy in all the players in the squad.