Pino Valle: The man who brought Italy to the top

Pino Valle was born in Genova on 1904. Considered as one of the most important personalities of the Italian Water Polo, Valle started his carrier as swimmer winning the 1500 free style on 1922. On 1924 he participated with the Italian Water Polo National Water Polo in the Paris Olympic Games while on 1927 took part at the European Championships in Bologna and on 1934 at the Magdeburg European Championships. On 1928 he transferred to the 32nd Legion M.V.S.N (S.G.C. Sampierdarenese) and finally on 1929 he moved to Florence as player and coach of the Rari Nantes Florentia. Hard worker, Pino Valle soon converts the Florentine team into the leading team of the Italian Water Polo of the 30’s, winner of the 1933, 1934, 1936, 1937 and 1938 Italian Championship. Following World War II, Pino Valle became coach of the Italian National team contributing to its first great successes as the gold medal in Monte Carlo, 1947 European Championship and finally to the Gold in London 1948 Olympic Games.
Source: A. Rari 1904, Una storia di Campioni; Giordano Goggioli. B. La Pallanuoto Azzura; C.Una costellazione d’oro – Aronne Anghileri.