She could play basketball outside of Italy, but former international Eleonora Zanetti loves her country and her family. Basketball became a big passion, and she knows that it is important to have an inspiration to make your dreams come true.

1.  Let’s introduce yourself, who are you?

“I am Eleonora Zanetti, I live in Italy and I played basketball at a lot of different teams there.”

2.  How did you start playing basketball?

“When I was 10 years old, basketball already became my biggest passion. Everything else wasn’t important for me. I met a lot of great people, and I have amazing memories for a lifetime. I am very grateful for that!”

3.  Why was basketball your biggest passion?

“I love the game, and all the details that are necessary. It is quite dynamic, and it helps people to grow up and use their concentration to be better every year.”

4.  Did some of your family play basketball before?

“Yes, my dad used to play basketball before. My older sister played as well. We started playing together, but after a while she decided to play somewhere else.”

5.  How much different is your style of playing basketball compared with your sister?

“She was a great shooter, while I was more a post player. She stopped playing basketball a little bit sooner than I did.”

6.  What kind of player were you?

“I played most of the time in the post. My shot wasn’t that great, so I could develop a little bit better in the paint. That also helped me in defense.”

7. Is there someone who inspires you?

“I have seen some basketball games before of the Beretta Famila Schio. They won 9 times the championship of Italy. I saw some amazing players playing there, like Raffaella Masciadri and Laura Macchi, former player of the Los Angeles Sparks. I had the opportunity to play with them on the highest league of Italy. They thought me a lot, and I always wanted to be like them.”

8.  How was it for you to compete in the highest league of Italy?

“In the beginning it was pretty hard. I was pretty nervous, because it is not just something. You have to think about every decision, and look everywhere for every possibility. Nevertheless, I liked it a lot, and I was lucky to play with a lot of teams and some talented players as well.”

9.  You were also an international. How was it to wear the word ‘Italy’ on your chest?

“It was amazing, like a dream came true! The first games I played in Greece, playing against much older players and players with a lot of experience.”

10.  What can you remember of your first under 16 European Championship tournament?