The Argentine volleyball coach, Julio Velasco, shared revealing details about his sports life and the customs he implemented while coaching the Italian National Team. Velasco compared his relationship with Italy to that of a marriage: "Italy is like my wife, it is the woman I want to live with." Despite his original passion being football, Velasco emphasized the importance of respecting national anthems, stating that he never sang the Italian anthem because one’s anthem is unique.
In an interview, Velasco reflected on the meaning of national anthems when facing Argentina in international competitions, mentioning the difficulty of hearing the rival anthem. Additionally, he revealed his deep affection for Argentina, which he compared to a mother: "Argentina is like my mom, it may have defects, but it is mine." Despite his long residence in Italy, Velasco stood firm in his position regarding national anthems and his passion for football.
Velasco, a current member of the coaching staff of the volleyball teams of Italy and Argentina, also shared anecdotes about his experience as a volleyball player and his brief foray into football during his youth. Amidst laughter, he mentioned the special fondness of men's volleyball teams to play football before training, highlighting the importance of moments of relaxation in sports.
With a career marked by his dedication to volleyball and his experiences in different countries, Julio Velasco delved into his love for Italy and Argentina, emphasizing the complexity and richness of his feelings for both nations. Despite his long stay in Italy, Velasco remains true to his Argentine roots and his convictions about national anthems and football.
