The Italians haven’t won a World Tour event since the Open in Sochi in 2016, but Paolo insists that being victorious on the World Tour is the goal for every tournament this season. An injury to Lupo put preparations slightly back at the start of the 2019 season, but getting to Tokyo was their target for last season.
“The main goal for 2019 was to earn a spot for Tokyo and we did it. I think we played good beach volleyball, the level is so high right now in the FIVB.”
The Italians beat former world champions Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen 2-0 in Haiyang to qualify for their third Olympics. Nicolai and Lupo feel they are playing better than when they lost in the Olympic Final in 2016 to Alison Cerutti and Bruno Schmidt of Brazil. Nicolai has also stated that their level of play in 2015 wouldn’t see them be a consistent main draw team now in 2020.
“I think we are playing better than in Rio, we are more consistent in our game, but the level is going up year after year.”
Nicolai sees it is not just their team that are improving in performance. The rest of the world are also progressing at a steady pace and there are multiple teams they will be keeping an eye on.
“The number of good teams is going up and this is a good think for our sport. Almost every match could be a final. This is great because you have to work hard and constantly try to improve your game.”
When asked who could podium in Tokyo, Nicolai laughs and says “Too many teams!”
But the Italians will be going into 2020 with an aggressive mindset and Tokyo on the horizon. There is one main lesson they have learnt from the previous two Olympic Games, that can they can use in all aspects of their game.
“I learnt that there is a big difference when you play to win or when you play not to lose.”
Source: Volley - fivb.org
