During the course of this European Championship, we have often seen footage of the Azzurri carrying out work in the water, particularly following a match.

This technique, which has been recently perfected thanks to the contribution of osteopathic physiotherapist Walter Martinelli, is part of the recovery plan that integrates medical skills and those of the performance staff, coordinated by Valter Di Salvo. It is an activity that has been enjoying great success with the Azzurri players, who seem to benefit greatly from it.

The water treatment is carried out after the usual gym work and postural recovery; the players then move on to the swimming pool where two or three physiotherapists - under the supervision of Professor Andrea Ferretti and Doctor Carmine Costabile - perform joint mobility manoeuvres, stretching, acupressure and osteopathic techniques, promoting a deep state of relaxation with an effect on the Autonomous Nervous System. This technique allows the players to loosen post-game muscle tension, as well as relieve fatigue and stiffness.

In this dimension, the body tends to abandon itself completely. The effect on the circulatory, lymphatic, and respiratory systems is also significant, to which the Azzurri physiotherapists pay particular attention by mobilising the chest and diaphragmatic muscles.

The pool’s water has a temperature of about 35 degrees and a depth of 110 - 120 centimetres. The work is accompanied by 'relaxing music' in the background.

The relaxation levels achieved through this technique often lead to athletes falling asleep in the water. The body appears to return to a foetal state. The aquatic environment that vaguely recalls the amniotic fluid, the heat, the state of total predisposition to the absorption of external stimuli and gentle movements - aimed at restoring the autonomic nervous system - in fact, lead to a restoration of the state of homeostasis.

 

A group photo of the national team medical staff.

Above, the physiotherapists. From left: Maurizio Fagorzi, Walter Martinelli, Fabrizio Scalzi, Roberto Cardarelli, Fabio Sannino and Emanuele Randelli.

Below, the doctors. From left: Carmine Costabile, Andrea Ferretti and Fracesco Cuccaro.