Valentina Diouf, who was on the Italian National Team at the 2014 FIVB World Championships, has suffered an injury to her left eye that has left her career in jeopardy. Her eye was struck by a ball in training on Saturday, which sidelined her for the team’s 3-1 win over Foppapedretti Bergamo in the 4th round of the Italian Championship’s regular season.
Diouf, who is wearing a patch over her left eye, will be out until at least Friday until she can see a specialist – injuries such as these can lead to retinal damage, which could permanently impact Diouf’s vision.
The 6’8″ (2.02m) Diouf is 24-years old and is in her 2nd season with Serie A side Unit E-Work Busto Arsizio out of the northern-Italian city of Busto Arsizio. The team is currently 4th in the Italian Championship this season with a 3-1 record. Team newcomer Vittoria Piani took over Diouf’s role at the opposite in Sunday’s win and immediately made a significant impact and was declared by the league to be the MVP of the game with 19 points.
“I was thrilled to get the start, although I never wanted to play for a friend’s injury,” Piani said after the game. “I think I have contributed and that the team has also confirmed tonight to be strong. Top ranked for one night? Yes, but I am convinced that it is not an anomaly and we will stay at the top.”
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