Davide Cassani has quickly found himself in the new role of the Italian national team coach, after Paolo Bettini left the position to become a part of the new Fernando Alonso Cycling Team, and appointed 29 riders to participate in the first training camp to be held in Camaiore between 26 February and 1 March.

The biggest names of the present Italian cycling, in the likes of Vincenzo Nibali, Filippo Pozzato or Ivan Basso were called, as Cassani announced the full list of riders expected to take part in the training camp, during the press conference held in Rome.

Accompanied by the Italian Federation President, Renatto di Rocco, Cassani has called the following riders:  Agnoli , Gavazzi , Nibali , Vanotti , Pozzato , Ulissi , Modolo , Cunego , Basso , Caruso, Ratto , Marcato , De Marchi Moser , Battaglin , Colbrelli , Santaromita , Ponzi , Rabottini , Oss , Capecchi, Caruso, Tosatto, Malori, Pirazzi , Boaro , Coledan , Cataldo and Quinziato.

During the press conference Cassani praised the moments when he was allowed to represent his country in the Azzurri jersey and shared an opinion about Italian national team being strong enough to life up to very high expectations.

"Wearing the Azzurri jersey was the most beautiful thing in life. I love this sport, I couldn’t say no,” Cassani reflected on replacing Bettini as the Italian national team coach

“I am optimistic about the national team, because we have riders who can do well," sounds his exceptionally simple recipe for success.