Volleyball star Isabelle Haak is at home in Sweden for games with the national team. She has her Italian boyfriend Jacopo Preti with her.
– I have tried to explain to him how we eat pizza here, it is not easy for him to take in, says Haak.
On Wednesday, Haak’s Swedish national team faces Slovenia in the European League final. The return will be played away from home on Saturday.
In the club team Imoco Volley – which usually wins the most in a year – it was a tough season with “only” one league title and Champions League bronze.
– For my own part, it still felt good. Of course you always want to achieve more results, but there are more seasons to come, says Haak about the season.
She enjoys life in Italian Conegliano, north of Venice.
– It is very nice. It feels like home there, you have created an everyday life for yourself. And I mean, great culture, good food, good climate, there’s not much to complain about, says Haak.
Selfies and autographs
In Italy, there are more people on the street than at home in Sweden.
– In Italy and Turkey, where I’ve played a lot, it’s more that people come up and ask to take pictures. It’s a slightly different culture, in Sweden it doesn’t happen that much.
In her new homeland, Haak met her Italian boyfriend Jacopo Preti, 32, who plays basketball in the Italian second division. Having a partner who is also an athlete is only positive, according to Haak.
“Not easy for him”
The couple is mostly in Italy, but Preti has also been allowed to come to Sweden.
– I have tried to explain to him how we eat pizza here, it is not easy for him to take in.
The biggest culture clash was when Haak offered pizza with pineapple.
– I had him try it last year and it was a no-go. Now he has at least tested it, that’s “kudos”.
At home in Ängelholm, where Haak grew up, she has been honored with a mural.
– It feels sick, it’s always special now that you’ve driven past it a few times. It feels strange but fun of course, a nice gesture from the municipality.
Internationally, Haak is a superstar, garnering titles and awards like few others. But at home in Sweden, she rarely gets attention.
– I know what trip we’ve taken and I don’t need others to give me a receipt for it.
In August, Sweden plays the EC and will have home ground in the group stage. The group includes, among others, Italy.
– It will be very special. They know me quite well, that’s never an advantage. But they haven’t met us, we just have to screw up to suit me.
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