Tokyo, April 5, 2006: Arrangements have been completed for the Italian men's team to hold a pre-World Championships training camp in Shinshushin Town, Nagano Prefecture.
The Azzurri will begin their final preparations on November 10, a week before their opening Pool C game against Bulgaria, and will be the centre of attention in a small town developed around the scenic Lake Rokaku and well known for its art and fossil museums.
Libenzio Conti, general manager of the Italian Volleyball Federation's national team department, visited the training hall, gymnasium and team hotel with Shinshushin Town Mayor Mamoru Nakamura during the World Grand Champions Cup last November, and World Championships organisers are now finalising the details.
Despite a busy training schedule, it is hoped the Italian team will find time to hold a coaching clinic for local children and also open a practice session to the public to promote international cultural exchange.
The town's education committee and Nagano Volleyball Association are also helping with the visit.
Italy won the men's crown for three straight World Championships from 1990 to 1998 but finished fifth in 2002. They will play Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Iran, USA and Venezuela in Pool C, based in Nagano.
