The working class goes to heaven. In reality, there is very little worker for two historic excellences of Italian team sports, the Settebello already 3 times Olympic champion and the absolute dominator volleyball of the 90s (although never winner at the Games), but faced with two giants of current times as respectively Hungary (reigning triple Olympic champion!) and the United States (gold in Beijing 2008) one could expect the worst.
And instead the country boys (hero in turn of the Golden Settebello in Barcelona '92) and Berruto have accomplished two great feats who painted in blue a day up to that moment very dull for the Italian colors. Even today, in fact, no medal (it's the second consecutive day that happens), but two splendid and on paper unexpected qualifications for the semifinals of the respective tournaments, which bode well for a place on the podium. Podium that would mean a lot given that until now in London 2012 Italy was in great difficulty in team sports. First of all for not even bringing us the national soccer and basketball teams, then for the eliminations of the women's volleyball and water polo teams and finally for the same elimination rounds of the men, conducted not flawlessly, especially by the sextet at the net.
But today cancels everything and relaunches the blue ambitions. However, it will be very hard for both of them to reach the final, synonymous with a secure medal (otherwise there will also be a final for the bronze medal): the Settebello challenges the very strong Serbia, the most convincing team in London so far, while Savani and his companions will face the Olympic vice-champions of Brazil, who after (or together with) the United States are undoubtedly the team to beat. Mission (almost) impossible for both of them, but on the eve the ones with Hungarians and Americans seemed to be too.
And instead the blue team sports, at least the last remaining in the running, had a jolt of pride, going not only to win but also to literally dominate their opponents. The volleyball boys outclassed the defending champions with a clear 3-0, while Felugo (author of the decisive goal 58 seconds from the end with a sidereal shot from distance) and his companions also had up to 3 goals ahead of the Magyars, before imposing themselves 11-9 without excessive worries. Decisive Tempesti, the defense (even if too foul) and an extraordinary Maurizio Felugo, leader and driving force, as well as author of 3 goals.
For the rest, nothing else to report on the day of the blues. No call from athletics (Meucci eliminated in the 5.000m and Abate in the 110m hurdles), bad sailing and horse riding too. The only note is the victory of Sergio Scariolo, basketball coach of Spain, in the quarterfinals against France. Now the Red Furies will face Russia in the semifinals, and can seriously aspire to the super challenge for gold with the Dream Team USA. But returning to the Italian issues properly, the real expectation is for Thursday morning shortly after 11, when in the waters of Eton Josefa Idem, almost 48, will start her eighth final in eight Olympics in the K1 500. The story is already written, Sefi will try to sculpt the legend.
