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Roberto SantilliHead coach of Iskra
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Career in Italy
- Stint with Jastrzębski Węgiel in Poland
- Arrival at Iskra Odintsovo in Russia
- Impressions of Russian Volleyball
- Key Acquisitions and Roster
- Aspirations for the Season
- Influence of Italian Coaches in Russia
- Family and Personal Life
Early Life and Career in Italy
Born in Rome, Italy, Andrea Giani began his coaching career in his home country. From 1997 to 2007, he guided various teams in the Italian Serie A1, including Gioia del Colle and Macerata. However, his greatest successes in Italy were limited.
Stint with Jastrzębski Węgiel in Poland
In 2007, Giani moved to Poland to coach Jastrzębski Węgiel. During his three seasons at the club, he led them to consistent top-three finishes in the national championship and won the Polish Cup in 2010. Giani's success in Poland cemented his reputation as a skilled tactician.
Arrival at Iskra Odintsovo in Russia
In September 2010, Giani signed a "one plus one" contract with Iskra Odintsovo in Russia, leaving his role at Jastrzębski Węgiel. The Russian league was considered one of the strongest in Europe at the time, offering Giani a new challenge and a chance to prove himself at the highest level.
Impressions of Russian Volleyball
Upon joining Iskra, Giani expressed admiration for the size and grandeur of Russian sports facilities, particularly the team's playing hall. He also noted the strong fan base and high level of competition in the Russian league, which he believed surpassed that of Poland.
Key Acquisitions and Roster
Giani emphasized the importance of acquiring talented players to build a competitive team. He was particularly excited about the addition of Russian national team member Pavel Abramov, who joined Iskra from Jastrzębski Węgiel. Giani also praised the versatility and skill of Russian volleyball players, despite the decline in the number of universal players.
Aspirations for the Season
Giani's primary objective for the 2010-2011 season was to return Iskra to prominence in the Russian championship. He believed that the team had the necessary talent and determination to achieve this goal through hard work and a focus on quality over quantity.
Influence of Italian Coaches in Russia
Giani acknowledged the presence of several Italian coaches who had previously worked in Russia, including Daniele Bagnoli, Angiolino Frigoni, and Roberto Serniotti. He maintained close contact with these coaches, sharing information and insights about Russian volleyball.
Family and Personal Life
Giani's family wholeheartedly supported his decision to move to Russia. They understood the challenges and opportunities of living abroad and looked forward to experiencing life in Moscow. Giani expressed his love for automobiles, a common trait among Italians, and acknowledged the potential challenges of Moscow's infamous traffic congestion.
