Italy’s Rising Stars Shine at Berlin Millennium Team Cadet European Cup 2026
BERLIN — The Berlin Millennium Team Cadet European Cup 2026 delivered a weekend of high-stakes judo competition, with Italy’s young athletes making a strong impression on the international stage. Held at the Sportforum Berlin on April 25-26, the tournament brought together Europe’s top cadet judokas in a team-based format, offering a glimpse into the future of the sport.
What Happened in Berlin
The Berlin Millennium Team Cadet European Cup 2026 featured 12 national teams competing in a round-robin format, with each match consisting of five weight categories (-46kg, -50kg, -55kg, -60kg and +60kg for boys; -40kg, -44kg, -48kg, -52kg, and +52kg for girls). Italy’s squad, representing the Federazione Italiana Judo Lotta Karate Arti Marziali (FIJLKAM), secured a respectable fourth-place finish in the boys’ division and fifth in the girls’ division, according to official results published by the European Judo Union (EJU).
The tournament’s format emphasized teamwork and consistency, with each match decided by the total number of individual victories. Italy’s boys’ team notched key wins against Poland and the Netherlands, while the girls’ squad demonstrated resilience in a tightly contested group stage.
Standout Performances
Several Italian athletes turned heads with their performances in Berlin. In the boys’ division, 15-year-old Luca Moretti (-55kg) went undefeated in his weight class, securing three ippon victories in the group stage before falling in the semifinals. His aggressive seoi-nage (shoulder throw) was a highlight of the tournament, earning praise from coaches and spectators alike.
“Luca’s technique was sharp, and his ability to adapt to different opponents was impressive for his age,” said Vito Zocco, FIJLKAM’s regional technical commissioner for Lazio, in a post-tournament interview with FIJLKAM’s official website. Zocco, who oversees the development of young judokas in the Lazio region, emphasized the importance of such international competitions for Italy’s cadet program.
In the girls’ division, Sofia Bianchi (-48kg) delivered a breakout performance, winning all four of her matches in the group stage. Her tactical maturity and ability to counter opponents’ attacks drew attention from European scouts. Bianchi, a product of Rome’s Judo Club Frascati, is considered one of Italy’s most promising talents in the cadet category.
Why This Tournament Matters
The Berlin Millennium Team Cadet European Cup serves as a critical stepping stone for young judokas aiming to progress to the senior level. Unlike individual competitions, the team format tests athletes’ ability to perform under pressure while contributing to a collective goal—a skill that aligns with the Olympic team event introduced at the Paris 2024 Games.
For Italy, the tournament provided valuable exposure to high-level competition ahead of the 2026 European Cadet Championships, scheduled for later this year in Sofia, Bulgaria. FIJLKAM’s regional leadership has placed increasing emphasis on cadet development, with a focus on building a pipeline of talent for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and beyond.
“This is where the future of Italian judo is being built,” said Gianluca Ricciotti, president of FIJLKAM’s Lazio Judo sector, in a recent interview with Gazzetta Regionale. Ricciotti, who oversees the regional judo program, highlighted the importance of providing young athletes with opportunities to compete internationally. “Every match at this level is a lesson. The goal isn’t just to win medals—it’s to prepare these athletes for the demands of senior competition.”
The Bigger Picture for Italian Judo
Italy’s performance in Berlin reflects broader trends in the country’s judo development. Over the past decade, FIJLKAM has invested heavily in its cadet and junior programs, with a particular focus on technical refinement and mental resilience. The federation’s regional structure, led by figures like Ricciotti and Zocco, ensures that talent is identified and nurtured from an early age.
The Lazio region, in particular, has emerged as a hub for judo development. With over 120 affiliated clubs and a robust school promotion program, the region has produced a steady stream of young athletes who progress to national and international competitions. Ricciotti’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between clubs, schools, and regional training centers, creating a cohesive pathway for aspiring judokas.
Italy’s cadet program has also benefited from the success of its senior athletes, including Odette Giuffrida and Fabio Basile, who won Olympic medals in Rio 2016. Their achievements have inspired a new generation of judokas, many of whom see the cadet European Cup as a proving ground for future success.
Key Takeaways from Berlin
- Team Italy’s fourth-place finish in the boys’ division and fifth in the girls’ division demonstrates the depth of the country’s cadet program, though there remains room for improvement in consistency.
- Luca Moretti (-55kg) and Sofia Bianchi (-48kg) emerged as standout performers, with both athletes showcasing the technical and tactical skills needed to compete at the senior level.
- The team-based format of the tournament provided valuable experience for Italy’s young judokas, aligning with the Olympic team event introduced in Paris 2024.
- FIJLKAM’s regional leadership, particularly in Lazio, continues to play a pivotal role in developing Italy’s next generation of judo talent through structured training programs and international competition opportunities.
- The tournament served as a critical preparation event for the 2026 European Cadet Championships in Sofia, where Italy will aim to build on its performance in Berlin.
What’s Next for Italy’s Cadet Judo Program
With the Berlin Millennium Team Cadet European Cup now in the rearview mirror, Italy’s focus shifts to the upcoming European Cadet Championships in Sofia. The tournament, scheduled for November 2026, will feature individual competition across all weight classes, offering Italy’s young athletes another opportunity to test their skills against Europe’s best.
In the meantime, FIJLKAM’s regional training centers will continue their operate, with a focus on refining techniques and addressing the areas for improvement identified in Berlin. For athletes like Moretti and Bianchi, the next few months will be critical in their development, with national team coaches closely monitoring their progress.
For fans and supporters, the FIJLKAM website and European Judo Union’s official platform will provide updates on Italy’s cadet judo program, including results from upcoming tournaments and profiles of rising stars.
How to Follow the Action
For those interested in staying up to date with Italy’s cadet judo program, here are the key resources to follow:
- FIJLKAM Official Website: www.fijlkam.it (for national and regional updates, tournament schedules, and athlete profiles)
- European Judo Union (EJU): www.eju.net (for international tournament results, rankings, and live streams)
- FIJLKAM Lazio Social Media: Follow FIJLKAM Lazio on Facebook and Instagram for regional updates, athlete interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
Final Thoughts
The Berlin Millennium Team Cadet European Cup 2026 offered a compelling snapshot of Italy’s judo future. While the results in Berlin were promising, they also highlighted the work that remains to be done as Italy aims to re-establish itself as a powerhouse in European judo. With a strong regional development structure and a new generation of talented athletes, the foundation is in place for continued growth.
For now, the focus turns to Sofia and the European Cadet Championships later this year. Until then, Italy’s young judokas will be back on the mats, refining their skills and preparing for the next challenge.
What do you think of Italy’s performance in Berlin? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Archysport for more coverage of European judo and other Olympic sports.
