Chiara Permentilla’s Italian roots have led to a special connection with new Nxled Chameleons coach Ettore Guidetti, allowing them to communicate seamlessly in Italian during games and training.
Despite losing in four sets to the PLDT High Speed Hitters in their opening match in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, the Nxled Chameleons showed great signs of improvement under new head coach Ettore Guidetti.
Among those who stepped up for the Chameleons was Chiara Permentilla, who had a game-high 21 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs in the loss.
After the match, Permentilla shared how her Italian roots helped her connect with Guidetti.
“Nandun talaga ‘yung connection and sometimes, during the game, during training, if he wants to tell me something like super quick lang he would tell it to me in Italian para mabilis lang talaga sabihin,” Permentilla told reporters.
Chiara was born in Italy to Filipino parents.
But even with their shared heritage, the 26-year-old spiker was quick to share that Guidetti is allowing every Nxled player to shine, especially during training.
“I'm very grateful na he doesn't see it as 'Oh, you're from Italy also,' that's why ikaw 'yung papapaluin ko, hindi siya ganun, he's very fair,” Permentilla explained.
“The very first time na nakita ko siya, ang sinasabihin niya lagi sa akin, 'I don't care where you're coming from. I don't care if you're this kind of player or this kind of player, I just care what you do inside the court how you help your teammates,'” she recounted.
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But of course, being able to speak Italian helps both Permentilla and Guidetti speak strategy when on the taraflex.
“I mean, sometimes during the game, it’s helpful to give one of your players some indication in a language that only we can understand,” said Guidetti. “Also, because you guys are better than me in English. So every time that I give my team some indication a little too loud in English, obviously, the people on the other side, on the front row of the other team, they understand what I’m talking about.”
“So, sometimes it’s better to use some kind of little Italian trick,” he added.
The work continues for Nxled as they look to finally end their eight-game losing skid dating back to the 2024 Reinforced Conference.
Slowly but surely, Permentilla and the Chameleons are finding their way under Guidetti.
“I think from this game, natutunan namin na we have to fight starting from the first set pa lang. Sabi nga ni coach, we have nothing to lose. We shouldn't be scared of whoever is our opponent, so kailangan talaga parang tapangan pa namin,” said Permentilla.
“Parang natutunan namin talaga na parang kumilos ng tama na huwag na intayin na it's too late na sobrang malayo na yung score or patapos na yung game na bago kami kumilos ng tama sa gusto ni coach makita,” she added.
Nxled will look to give Guidetti his first win in the PVL as they go up against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday, November 19 at the Ynares Center Antipolo.