pearl TOP 500

Absolutely Kjeld!

Kjeld: yes Peter Blangé!! What's the matter?

I had already posted this in Zaytsev Fanclub, but i do it again 'cause it's pretty eloquent imo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VckK1GqKres

I watched Cuneo-Modena and i really enjoyed it! It was a spectacular match, gorgeously played by both teams!! What a pity for Modena, they were excellent up to half of the third set. But congrats to Cuneo!! Despite Mastro's ankle problem, Wijsmans' bad day, Grbic's neck injury they were able to win a match which seemed to be lost! I liked Baranowicz who had some problems at first, but then he got into his stride; but i simply ADORED N'gapeth who did 2 or 3 incredible digs and dives!!

zoey: are you aware of the responsibility you've faced up?? From now on, You'll HAVE TO put the translation for each new Igla's video, 'cause all non-polish speakers rely on you :D

About Dragan's nationality: he was born in Zagabria (Croatia) but he's been living in Italy since he was 20 days old :D That's the reason why he considers himself 100% Italian. Recently in an interview he said that his origins are Croatian ad he's proud of that but he feels Italian 'cause he's spent all his life here: he thinks, speaks, dreams and writes (he has a blog-site and contributes with articles to many italian sports magazines and newspapers) in Italian. He's proud to play for Italy, he has never thought of any other NT he could play for...and when he wears Italy's shirt he feels like he has that shirt "sewn up on his skin" (i'm quoting his own words). For me he's Italian, and it's pretty evident when he opens his mouth and speaks...end of the story. :)

I like this guy… I mean, he’s so kind! He’s definitely one of the nicest players, outside the court, I’ve ever known. I’ve got a lovely memory of him and his kindness with fans and supporters (especially with me haha) after WL’s match against France in PalaCatania last Summer. Talking about him as a setter: he has improved so much in the last 2 years and he can do better and better… no doubt about that! IMO Vermiglio is still superior in terms of experience (no wonder since Valero is 10 years older than Dragan), ball-control skill and, mainly, defence. BUT I like Drago pretty much; he’s the best setter we have at the moment. He sometimes reminds me of Peter Blangé, mainly when blocking (although Drago’s service is a bit better and more powerful than Blangé’s one); and similarity between them is even clearer to me when I see Travica setting for Lasko or one of his OH…don’t know why, but reminds me of Peter and Zwerver (Ron, of course) or Peter and Van der Meulen :) … perhaps my alter-ego here, Henrique :D, may say something more about that. The only thing I don’t like of Travica is that he often tends to “forget” about his MB, ignoring them too many times during a match and insisting only on opposite and spikers. In that, he differs from Blangé who, instead, used to play with Posthuma or Held a lot more than Drago does with Bira/Buti or Mastro or Fei. :) But, in the end, I like him …and, if I can be absolutely honest with you, the reason why I like this boy the most, is because he’s constantly at war against his shaver, razor and shaving foam (as well as his brother-in-law)! :D Thanx NightFox ;)

No way Kjeld...rai streaming links are available only within Italy's borders ... you can't watch raisport streaming from abroad ?

Felicitazioni ad Andrea e signora ? Did he really call his son "Ulysses"? o_O

hahah...i hadn't noticed that the first time i watched this, but 3:04 - 3:14 AA says something to Igla... i can't actually hear what he said 'cause the noises all around cover his voice, but he must have suggested him to turn the camera to tape himself too 'cause Igla answers him (in Italian) " Sì...mia faccia?...Non è bella però (and here he laughs)!...Prendo (or Prima - it's not clear) la doccia e dopo..." Which means: "Yes...my face?....But (my face) isn't beautiful (and here he laughs)!...I'll have a shower first and then..." :)

I also remember this match! What a struggle it was! BTW Kjeldhor.... i must say that I like the three-coloured floor instead, I find it pretty suggestive! BUT... if you in Trento really don't like it, I'm sure that Macerata will be more than willing to take it and keep it in the Marches next year :D @raylight: perfect musical choice mate....one of my favourite songs :)

What happened to you ray?

@raylight: N'gapeth? Really??? You always say "Zaytsev=Italian Kaziyski, Zaytsev=Italian Kaziyski" and then you snub him this way??? ?

And you Berny don't make me get jealous... be a good boy :P

here is the list with tomorrow's matches:

13^ giornata di andata serie A1 maschile Sustenium

Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo – Casa Modena
Andreoli Latina – Itas Diatec Trentino Volley
Marmi Lanza Verona – Lube Banca Marche Macerata
Sisley Belluno – CMC Ravenna
Tonno Callipo Vibo Valentia – Acqua Paradiso Monza Brianza
Energy Resources San Giustino – Copra Elior Piacenza
M.Roma Volley – Fidia Padova

Cuneo v Modena will be broadcasted by Raisport1. Fantastic! Hope rai's streaming will work 'cause i want to watch this match ? Have no idea of which match will be on sportube. Another interesting match is Vibo-Monza imo.

Nice to meet you too, bella :)

OT: can someone tell me who this Slaveya is?? I'm reading this name a lot recently. Sllaveq...is it you dear??

OHHH Wilfredo...what have you done by starting this discussion?!! You've let the MONSTERS living within our souls rise to the surface ?

Yes, Giangio named only Italian Players in his team. That's one of the reasons why I admire him so much. He is probably the only Italian coach who's trying (seriously) to create something important starting from what our national movement can provide (which is not that much...honestly). And, trust me....this is not a simple task!! Consider MRoma's line-up: it's the only team in Serie A1 made up with 5 italian players (Zizzo, Maruotti, Sabbi, Boninfante and Paparoni) out of 7 on court (only MB are foreigners). And Giani on many occasions has always emphasized the necessity for our movement to focus more on young italian players and give them the chance to play, to improve. Sometimes i'm under the impression that he's the only one who still really cares about our movement and NT.
I regard him very highly!!