Lausanne, Switzerland, December 15, 2016 – Italy’s men’s volleyball team were rewarded for their efforts in 2016 by winning the team of the year award at the Gazzetta Sports Awards.
The Gazzetta Sports Awards are organised by Italy’s leading sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport and are one of the highlights of the end of year sports awards.
Coach Gianlorenzo Blengini’s team were recognised following a year in which his side won silver at Rio 2016, silver at the FIVB World Cup and bronze at the European Championship. The team and coach were in attendance in Milan to receive the award.
“What did we lack in Brazil? Winning the last match,” Blengini said when he collected the trophy. “Really though being given this award is truly emotional.”
Italy's coach and players picked up the team of the year award
Their silver medal at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games was an improvement on the bronze that they won at London 2012 and only an impassioned performance by hosts Brazil in front of a full house at the Maracanazinho in the gold medal match stopped them from winning a first Olympic gold.