VENICE (EuroBasket Women) - Mariangela Cirone of Umana Reyer Venezia is to return to the Italy national team for this summer’s EuroBasket Women.
The playmaker has made herself available after missing EuroBasket 2007 in Chieti because of a knee injury.
"The only negative aspect about my return is that it is only down to the fact that other players like (Angela) Gianolla or (Giorgia) Sottana have been sidelined through injury.
“Had they not been injured, I wouldn't have thought about the EuroBasket because both of those two players deserved to play at that stage.
“When I found out that the national team was in an emergency situation, I have made myself available.”
Cirone rebounded from her injury and has been a vital member of the Venezia squad that has reached the Italian domestic title series.
“Now I feel in good form thanks to the good work done by my club, Reyer,” she said.
“For me it's not a sacrifice to return to wear the Azzurri colors. I do it with my heart.
“I think about the players that will sit out the EuroBasket through injury and I know what they are going through."
Italy coach Giampiero Ticchi is delighted with Cirone’s decision.
"I am very happy because her decision to return confirms the work we have done in the past months," she said.
FIBA
