The U19 Eccellenza team's championship celebrations on their return to Tortona: quotes from the key players
Great celebration on the return to Tortona for the fresh ones Champions of Italy ofUnder 19 Excellence ofAllianz DerthonaYesterday afternoon at the PalaCamagna of Tortona A special welcoming committee was prepared for the Juventus players by their teammates from the Lions' youth and mini-basketball teams. Smoke bombs were lit upon the team's arrival directly from Rome, music blasted from specially prepared speakers, and sparkling wine was poured over the team. The National Finals Winners' Cup and the Scudetto were proudly displayed. After the first part of the outdoor celebrations, the second half of the festivities moved inside the arena, with the customary group photos.
All the key players in the triumph at the PalaTiziano were present, with the only excused absence being head coach Vanni Talpo, who went directly to Trieste to begin preparations for the Italy U17 World Cup, where he will be one of the assistants.
Derthona Basket President Marco Picchi was present, and the emotional response from the players was palpable, starting with Derthona Basket Youth Sector Manager Andrea Ablatico : "This is a dream come true. Winning requires a combination of many factors, and during the week in Rome, everyone aligned. We were coming off a season marred by numerous injuries, and even during the Finals, we faced several challenges. Despite this, the team's reaction was exceptional and allowed us to achieve a well-deserved victory. We played high-level basketball in almost every game, averaging over 95 points per game. In the semifinal against Cantù, we demonstrated our ability to win even the toughest and most difficult games: this is a sign of significant growth and the maturity achieved by the boys. This is the fruit of work planned for at least two years, which would have been valuable regardless of winning the Scudetto, because it contributed significantly to the development and improvement of the players. A special thanks goes to all the guys, the staff, and the Gavio family, without whom we wouldn't be here today celebrating this achievement. A special mention goes to Gianmaria Vacirca, who has enthusiastically supported us over the last two days, acting like a true ultra leader. Of course, a thought," Ablatico concludes, "goes to our unforgettable Luigino Fassino."
Youth team president Claudio Coffano echoed his sentiments : "We were coming off two Next Gen Cup finals and a national final loss two years ago, and seeing tears in the boys' eyes so many times always left us a bit bitter. We always encouraged them, telling them that it was precisely through those disappointments that character and the desire to improve were built. All the joy we experienced on Sunday night makes up for all those disappointments. I thank Vanni [coach Talpo] and his entire coaching staff for the incredible work they've done this year, despite the difficulties and some disappointments, but as we said in those moments, hard work always pays off, and we had to keep going with the same determination because we would have achieved some great things. I must also applaud Andrea [Ablatico], who over the years has always given his all to grow our youth team and bring it to this level."
Speaking on behalf of the players, Andrija Josovic, captain, MVP, and top scorer of the National Finals, said: "I'm very happy and proud to have won Derthona's first, historic Scudetto in the youth sector. We came to Rome with a clear goal: to win the title and end a long, demanding, and very tiring season on a high note. As the tournament progressed, we played better and better day after day. We played attractive, fast-paced basketball; when we set our tempo, we gained great confidence and control of the game. I think that's where we found our greatest strength during the final.
"As captain," continues the Montenegrin winger, who has been with Juventus for three seasons, "I felt a great responsibility, especially since the start of the knockout stage. However, thanks to the enormous support of my teammates and the coaching staff's well-developed plan, we managed to achieve our great goal. Over the previous three years, I experienced many unforgettable moments in Derthona's youth teams. I was part of the club's most successful groups, playing in important finals before the final one. Unfortunately, in our previous attempts, we hadn't managed to take the final step and win the trophy. That's why this title has a special meaning. I'm happy that things went well in my final season in the youth team and that we managed to achieve what we'd long dreamed of.
I fervently wanted to bring this historic first title to Tortona as a sign of gratitude for everything I've experienced in this city. From day one, I've felt the warmth, trust, and support of the people inside and around the Club. For this, I'm immensely grateful to my teammates, the coaching staff, the medical staff, the nutritionists, the management, and everyone who contributed to this success in any way.
Next Friday, at 11 a.m., the team will be received at the Town Hall by Mayor Federico Chiodi and the rest of the municipal administration as a sign of gratitude from the city of Tortona.
(photo credit: Alessandro Giacobone)
