Career: Varese (Italy-A1, 1998-99), Como (Italy-A1, 1999-2006), Ribera (Italy-A1, 2006-07)

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Laura Macchi, nicknamed "Chicca" because a former coach already had three Lauras on the team), has fullfilled the dream of many European athletes by playing professionally in the USA. Macchi is the first Italian (together with Masciadri) who has been a contributing member of the starting five of a WNBA team as a member of the Los Angeles Sparks. The team’s website has defined Macchi as an "Italian phenomenon" or the "Italian DeLisha Milton-Jones".  Last season, she was chosen by Chicago in the expansion draft, but given her EuroBasket responsibilities it will be difficult for the best Italian player to play in the WNBA this season. Macchi is a versitile player capable of scoring in bunches and rebounding the basketball. Her long arms and legs provide her with qualities that make her much more effective at the small forward position and hardly defensible when facing bigger players. The 28-year-old has come to the full maturity and the defensive attention of all the opponents will be directed towards her. Following the success obtained in the national youth team, the Italian player wants to win something important while playing in the senior team, starting with EuroBasket Women and ending with the Olympic Games. To do this, a decisive contribution will be necessary both in the paint and on the perimeter. Together with Masciadri and Ballardini, she will create a magical trio endowed with talent and imagination. Her favourite player is Giammarco Pozzecco, whom she met during her time at Varese and whose style she has imitated. Her international experience has grown in the last few years playing in the EuroLeague Women with Como and in the EuroCup Women with Ribera. Macchi's goal is to lead her team to the medal stand and punch the Italian ticket to the 2008 Olympics.