Tokyo, May 23, 2006 -- Marco Bonitta, head coach of women's world champions Italy, has divided the year into two stages as he plots his team's defence of the world title in Japan.
The first stage takes in the Montreux Volley Masters in Switzerland and the Trophy Valle d'Aosta in Courmayeur, Italy, in June, and friendly matches with the Czech Republic, Spain and Brazil.
The second phase starts with the World Grand Prix, which will take Italy to Poland, Chinese Taipei and Japan before heading for home and the Final Round at Reggio Calabria from September 6-10.
Bonitta, who steered the Italian women to their first World Championships gold medal in Germany in 2002, will use mostly young players for the first phase of the year, before drafting in the more experienced players from July onwards so they will peak for the World Championships, starting October 31.
Italy recorded two 3-1 victories over the Czech Republic as their international season got under way, launching new talents in forward Daniela Ginanneschi and the centre Monica Marulli.
The team featured several younger players who helped Italy win the World Grand Prix silver medal in Japan last year, such as Valentina Fiorin, Elisa Cella, Serena Ortolani, Martina Guiggi and libero Chiara Arcangeli. Jenny Barazza, who also played in the Final Round, and captain Simona Rinieri added some experience.
The leading players, including Eleonora Lo Bianco, Elisa Togut, Sara Anzanello, Francesca Piccinini and Nadia Centoni, will not join the team until July.
At the World Championships in Japan, Italy will start their defence of the world crown in Nagoya with Pool D games against Cuba, Turkey, Egypt, Peru and Serbia and Montenegro.
