Vanni Talpo new coach of the Derthona Basket youth sector
The youth sector of Derthona Basket gives a warm welcome to Vanni Talpo, one of the new faces of the 2024/25 technical staff of the Derthona Basketball Lab, in which he will lead the U17 Eccellenza as head coach this year. We had a chat with the 34-year-old Juventus coach, who returned to the youth team after his experience as assistant coach with the Bertram Derthona first team for 7 seasons, including the last three in Serie A, up to the most recent World Championships with the Italian U17 national team, again as an assistant, achieving a magnificent world championship silver.
Vanni, tell us about your experience with the U17 national team, especially the last expedition to the World Cup played in Türkiye.
“The experience with the national team undoubtedly represents one of the most exciting and engaging moments of my career. A first thank you goes to FIBA, for offering us the opportunity to experience ten days of high level both for us but above all for the kids, preparing them for what their future could be. I and all the staff have had the privilege of working with this group for more than two years, always managing to compete at the highest level, both European and world-wide, and this makes us very proud. This year was a 360 degree experience: despite some difficulties encountered during the tournament, thanks to the will and great cohesion that was created in the group of kids, we managed to get out of it. I warmly thank all the companies that collaborate in the training of these young talents, allowing us to compete, as mentioned before, at the highest international levels."
What was the match that gave you the turning point to get to the end?
“If we look at the journey, clearly the round of 16 match against Australia was decisive; thanks to the recovered gap that had accumulated during the match, and then managing to win in extra time, gave us strength and above all an awareness that carried us to the end. We reached the final aware of the difficulties that awaited us but having nothing to lose, we had the hope of trying to beat the United States, who have an unparalleled record on a world level. Unfortunately, they deservedly won the gold, but we are still satisfied to have reached this milestone. I believe that confirming yourself for two consecutive years at this level is very difficult in sport, this year we were not outsiders and therefore the path taken has an added value on the strength expressed by this group. I would like to conclude by thanking coach Mangone for the space and responsibilities he has given me within this project, clearly thanks also go to all the staff starting from the assistant Alfredo Lamberti up to the trainer Roberto Marocco and the doctor Andrea Bulgheroni, who they have only accompanied us in these two and a half years, but their support and work has certainly been fundamental".
What do you expect from next season, with your return to the youth team?
“Coming from this experience with the national team, I am very excited to start this new work experience, returning to work with high-level guys, because I think that the Derthona Basketball Lab has followed in the footsteps of the first team, growing from year to year. I return to the youth sector, which I found completely renewed compared to when I left it years ago. I can't wait to make new ideas available to coach Ansaloni and his staff, with the aim of maintaining the excellent results of last year, with a double qualification for the National Finals, but above all of contributing to the individual growth of each individual lad. The U17 Eccellenza championship is certainly a great stimulus for the team that Ablatico and his entire entourage has set up. The main objective for me is to be able to share with these guys everything I have learned over the years working with the first team and which can help them grow day after day."
