Italy’s hopes for a strong finish at the 2026 European Judo Championships rest heavily on Alice Bellandi as the competition reaches its climax in Tbilisi. The reigning Olympic and world champion in the women’s –78 kg division will lead the Azzurri charge on the final day of competition at the Tbilisi Sports Palace, where medals will be decided across multiple weight classes.
Bellandi, who captured gold at Tokyo 2020 and retained her world title in 2023, enters the European Championships as one of the sport’s most dominant figures. Her presence elevates Italy’s medal prospects significantly, particularly in a tournament where depth and consistency across divisions often determine team success.
The European Judo Union confirmed Tbilisi as host city for the 2026 edition during its congress in late 2024, marking Georgia’s second time hosting the continental championship after the 2018 event in Kazan was relocated due to logistical challenges. The Tbilisi Sports Palace, a modern indoor arena with a capacity of over 10,000, has undergone specific preparations for judo competition, including tatami installation compliant with International Judo Federation (IJF) standards.
On the final day of competition, scheduled for May 17, 2026, Bellandi will compete in the –78 kg category alongside other Italian athletes vying for podium places in their respective divisions. The day’s program begins at 10:00 AM local time (UTC+4) with preliminary rounds, progressing through repechages and culminating in bronze and gold medal matches starting at 4:00 PM local time (UTC+4).
Italy’s judo federation has emphasized a strategic focus on athlete recovery and mental preparation in the lead-up to the finals, recognizing that the physical toll of multiple matches over the championship week can impact performance. Bellandi, known for her powerful grip fighting and explosive transition to groundwork, has reportedly adjusted her training load in recent weeks to peak precisely for this stage.
Her path to a potential gold medal includes navigating a competitive field that features reigning European champion Madeleine Malonga of France, who defeated Bellandi in the 2024 Paris Grand Slam final, and world bronze medalist Anna-Maria Wagner of Germany. The Italian athlete holds a 2-1 edge in their head-to-head encounters over the past two years, including a victory at the 2025 World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Beyond Bellandi, Italy’s medal hopes extend to athletes like Christian Parlati in the men’s –90 kg class, a consistent podium performer at recent Grand Slam events, and Maria Centracchio, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist in the –63 kg division, who seeks to add a European title to her resume.
The tournament’s format follows standard IJF rules: single-elimination brackets with repechage rounds for those losing to semifinalists, offering two bronze medals per weight class. Points earned at the European Championships contribute to world ranking lists, which directly influence Olympic seeding for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
For Italian judo, a strong showing in Tbilisi would continue a recent upward trajectory. At the 2024 European Championships in Montpellier, Italy secured four medals — one silver and three bronzes — its best haul since 2016. Bellandi accounted for one of those bronzes, losing in the semifinals to eventual champion Malonga.
Coaching staff led by national team coach Giovanni Casale have highlighted the importance of maintaining composure under pressure, particularly in medal matches where tactical discipline often outweighs sheer aggression. Casale, a former Olympic judoka himself, has worked closely with Bellandi on refining her ne-waza (ground technique) transitions to counter opponents who seek to avoid her formidable standing game.
Logistical considerations for athletes and officials include Tbilisi’s elevation of approximately 380 meters above sea level, which, whereas not extreme, may subtly affect athletes accustomed to lower altitudes. Weather forecasts for mid-May in Tbilisi indicate mild conditions, with daytime temperatures averaging 22–25°C (72–77°F) and low humidity — favorable for indoor competition.
The Italian Olympic Committee has provided additional support staff for the Tbilisi trip, including a dedicated physiotherapist and nutritionist, reflecting the heightened importance of European Championship performance as a benchmark for Olympic preparation cycles.
As the final day unfolds, attention will center not only on Bellandi’s quest for gold but also on how Italy’s collective performance compares to traditional powerhouses like France, Georgia, and Japan — the latter regularly sending strong teams to European Championships despite not being eligible for continental medals.
With the competition reaching its decisive stage, the atmosphere inside the Tbilisi Sports Palace is expected to intensify, particularly during the evening finals block when crowds typically peak. Live coverage will be available through the European Judo Union’s official streaming platform and select national broadcasters across Europe.
For Italy, the final day represents more than just medal opportunities — it’s a chance to validate progress made over the past two Olympic cycles and signal readiness for the challenges ahead in the journey toward Los Angeles 2028.
The next official update regarding Italy’s judo team will reach from the Italian Judo Federation following the conclusion of the European Championships, expected within 24 hours of the final medal match. Fans can follow real-time results and athlete reactions through the federation’s verified social media channels and the Archysport.com live blog, which will provide continuous coverage throughout the competition’s concluding day.
Stay tuned to Archysport for post-event analysis, athlete interviews, and a comprehensive breakdown of what Italy’s performance in Tbilisi means for its judo program moving forward.
