Between two flags: Orsi Toth’s homecoming and Gottardi’s fire ignite Budapest

For most athletes, arriving at a major continental final is business as usual - a cycle of airport terminals, hotel lobbies, and unfamiliar sand. But for Italy’s Reka Orsi Toth, landing in Budapest for the CEV Beach Nations Cup Finals felt less like stepping onto a battlefield and more like walking into her own living room.

"For me, Hungary has always been like home, honestly," Reka smiles, her eyes lighting up. "But also, Italy is my main home."

Reka proudly wears the Azzurre of Italy, but her roots run deep into Hungarian soil. In Budapest, the tournament is a full-blown family affair. Her father has already touched down, and her sister is actually working on the staff for the Hungarian men’s beach volleyball national team.

"I am positively scared!" Reka laughs, anticipating the local support. "I expect my family to bring drums and everything at each game. Unfortunately, my mum couldn't make it, but have amazing energy here."

The Italian passion vs. steady control

When asked which side of her dual heritage takes over when the whistle blows, Reka doesn't hesitate: "Definitely the Italian one. I am more emotional, passionate - you can definitely read my emotions on the sand. There is a Hungarian side of me hidden in there somewhere, but on court, it’s mostly Italian."

Yet, her partner, the incredibly talented rising star Valentina Gottardi, sees their court dynamic a bit differently. Valentina is known for her aggressive, electric style of play, while Reka often acts as the anchor.

"I am really aggressive on the court, and she is more in control all the time," Valentina explains.

While Valentina's family couldn't make the trip, she isn't without a cheering section of her own. Her boyfriend, Italian men's beach volleyball player Samuele Cottafava, is in Budapest to play as well, together with sand partner Gianluca Dal Corso, and is a valuable support to Valentina. 

Turning anxiety into fuel

For this Italian duo, emotions aren't something to be feared or suppressed. Instead, they are the very fuel that drives their performance.

"I read something a while ago that said: 'If you don’t feel anxious or excited about a game, that’s maybe when you should retire,'" Reka says. "It's a good sign when I feel a little bit anxious, giddy, or excited. My body is ready."

Valentina agrees, noting that managing this emotional wave is a disciplined practice for them.

"We work on that a lot when we are at home with our sports psychologist," the blocker adds. 

Valentina has worked with him for four years, while Reka joined two years ago. They even do joint sessions to keep their partnership locked in. "He really upgraded our game," Reka says. "It gives us a massive boost whenever we need to manage things."

The Road to the Rings

With the unique format of the Nations Cup keeping them on their toes ("You never know what could happen," says Reka, drawing on her US college beach volleyball experience as well), the Italians have their eyes on a massive long-term prize.

"We want to go as far as possible in the tournament," Valentina says, looking ahead.

With a drum-beating Hungarian crowd behind them, and the fierce pride of Italy in their chests, Reka and Valentina aren't just playing for a trophy this week. They are playing for home - both of them.