Veronica Zorzi and Giulia Sergas cannot wait to return to Spain to represent Italy at the Comunitat Valenciana European Nations Cup.

The pair tied for second at La Sella Golf Resort 12 months ago, finishing four strokes behind Christel Boeljon and Marjet van der Graaff from the Netherlands.

Both have had strong starts to the 2010 season and feel they can improve on their 2009 position. The two-time French Open champion Zorzi tied for sixth at the recent Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco while Sergas finished in a tie for fourth at the recent Women’s Australian Open in Melbourne.

“I love this kind of tournament and I am really looking forward to playing with Veronica,” said 30-year-old Sergas, who is based in Palm Springs in the United States.

“We are very good friends and the first time we played together we were 11 years old. Team competition is the best and I wish there were more.”

Zorzi will be playing in her third European Cup, having represented Italy with Stefania Croce at La Sella in 2008, when the pair tied for fifth behind the event champions Rebecca Hudson and Trish Johnson of England.

However like Sergas, the 29-year-old from Verona has also played in two World Cups and the fact that the duo played together in 2007 when they tied for fourth place will be another competitive advantage.

Zorzi said: “We have a very similar way to play on the golf course, we have known each other for 15 years and we are very good friends. Last year on the last day we shot 62 and we finished second, so we have very nice memories. This year in particular there are a lot of good players coming so it will be a good challenge.”

The Italian duo will face a strong field of competitors including Catriona Matthew, Anna Nordqvist and Karrie Webb in the 18-nation team event.

Sergas continued: “We understand that this year there will be stronger teams, like Sweden and Australia, but we are ready to fight for first place.”

“I very much enjoy playing in team events and it is something different,” said Zorzi. “Golf is an individual game so when you have the chance to play in a team it is always nice and I am good at this!”

“The format is nice: one is a best ball and the other one is a kind of foursomes but easier, so we will see some very nice red scores!”
Sergas continued: “I like the fact that you are so involved in your game, because you are not just performing for you but for somebody else.”

Zorzi and Sergas will step out in a light blue polo and white trousers in the event from 22-25 April. The Italian Federation has organised the team colours which will match those of Italy’s World Cup football side.