Starting today, July 11, the 2020 Italian elite league (Serie A1) includes nine teams, split into two groups. The 18-game regular season will finish on September 6 and will be followed by the playoffs to crown the 2020 Italian Champion. All the fans can watch some of the games on www.fibstv.com

Bussolengo, 2019 Italian Champion, hosted Bollate, 2019 European Champion for a double header. Softball Europe President Gabriel Waage attended the games and, during the speech to the teams, stated: "Italy had some rough times in the last few months but being back on the field today is a win. Sport is the bridge to a better life."

For the record, Bollate won both games (3-5 and 0-7). 

The Italian Baseball and Softball Federation (FIBS) President Andrea Marcon had to wait until July when the health situation allowed the beginning of the softball season. Roberta Soldi, a member of FIBS board, commented: "the Italian Federation never gave up on this season and, despite many difficulties, worked to make it happen for months. The day finally arrived."

Softball Europe Vice-President and FIBS board-member Daniela Castellani said: "it's an indescribable emotion to be back on the field where I started to play softball for the beginning of a symbolic season for the Italian softball."

2020 should have been to the Olympic year for the Italian Softball. All international events had to be canceled or postponed, and the beginning of the season had to be postponed because of the COVID19 pandemic.
In July 2021, Italy will host the Women's European Championship qualifier for the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup.

/ Elda Ghilardi

Alessandro Princic photos