Italian Judo Charges into Astana Grand Slam: Francesca Milani Returns to the Podium

The Italian national judo team opened its campaign at the Grand Slam Astana 2026 with a statement of intent, headlined by a gritty, determined performance from Francesca Milani. In a tournament that serves as the final high-stakes curtain-raiser before the Olympic qualification window opens, the 32-year-old Roman judoka secured a bronze medal in the -48 kg category, ending a significant podium drought on the major circuit.

For Milani, the result is more than just another medal. it is a validation of persistence. The bronze represents her first top-three finish in a major Grand Slam event since November 2022 in Baku. After a fifth-place finish at the Grand Slam in Tashkent this past February, Milani entered the Kazakhstan capital needing a breakthrough to solidify her standing ahead of the push for the Los Angeles Games.

The Path to Bronze: Milani’s Clinical Run

Milani’s journey to the podium in Astana was a masterclass in consistency and tactical execution. She navigated the early rounds with precision, winning four consecutive bouts to reach the quarterfinals. Her momentum was only halted by the tournament’s eventual gold medalist, the Netherlands’ Amber Gersjes, who proved to be the dominant force in the -48 kg division.

Despite the quarterfinal setback, Milani regained her composure to secure the third-place spot. For the global judo community, Milani’s return to the podium signals that the veteran is still a formidable threat in one of the sport’s most competitive weight classes. In a sport where a single mistake can end a tournament in seconds, her ability to maintain a high level of performance over multiple matches was the defining feature of her day.

Note for the uninitiated: In elite judo, the “Grand Slam” events are the pinnacle of the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Tour, offering the highest ranking points and attracting the world’s top-seeded athletes.

Team Italy: Depth and Near-Misses

While Milani stole the headlines, the broader Italian delegation showed strong collective form on Day 1. The team’s depth was evident in the -57 kg category, where Veronica Toniolo put on a spirited display. Returning to competition after a year-long hiatus due to injury, Toniolo showed flashes of her former dominance, securing two encouraging victories early in the tournament.

Toniolo ultimately finished in fifth place, falling to Brazil’s Sarah Souza via waza-ari (a score slightly less than a full ippon) in the bronze medal match. While she missed the podium, her ability to compete at this level so soon after a major injury provides a significant psychological boost to the Italian squad.

Day 1 Standouts at the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam

The competition in Astana has been fierce across all weight classes. Beyond the Italian efforts, the first day saw several powerhouses assert their dominance:

• -48 kg: Amber Gersjes (Netherlands) claimed Gold.
• -52 kg: Precise Pont secured the top spot on the podium.
• -57 kg: Mokdar added to the French tally with a strong gold-medal performance.
• -60 kg: Byambasuren took gold in a dynamic final.
• -66 kg: Nutfulloev claimed the top spot, providing a highlight for the local region.

The Stakes: The Road to Los Angeles 2028

The timing of the Astana Grand Slam is critical. This event serves as the final World Tour stop before the official Olympic qualification period begins on June 15, 2026 and runs through June 12, 2028. In the world of judo, ranking points are the only currency that matters for Olympic entry.

For athletes like Milani and Toniolo, these tournaments are not just about the medals—they are about “seeding protection.” A high world ranking ensures a more favorable draw in the early rounds of the Olympics, avoiding the world number ones until the later stages of the competition.

Judo, created in 1882 by Kanō Jigorō, has evolved from a traditional martial art into a high-speed Olympic combat sport. The modern game emphasizes randori (free sparring) over pre-arranged forms, making the unpredictability of the Astana mats a true test of an athlete’s adaptability.

Analysis: What This Means for the Italian Squad

Italy has long been a powerhouse in European judo, but the transition between veteran stars and emerging talent is always a delicate process. Milani’s bronze proves that the “old guard” still has the tactical intelligence to outmaneuver younger opponents. Meanwhile, Toniolo’s return suggests that Italy will have a full-strength roster heading into the qualification window.

The synergy between the two—one returning to the podium and the other returning from injury—creates a positive momentum that often carries over into the subsequent days of a tournament. The Italian coaching staff will likely view Day 1 as a success, having secured a medal and verified the fitness of a key athlete.

What’s Next?

The action in Astana continues as the heavier weight classes take to the mats. The Italian team will be looking to build on Milani’s success to secure further medals before the tour moves toward the next major checkpoint: the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2026 in Mongolia.

As the qualification clock begins to tick, every point earned in Kazakhstan will be scrutinized. For Francesca Milani, the bronze is a reminder that she is still a contender on the world stage; for the rest of the field, it is a warning.

Do you think the Italian squad can maintain this momentum through the Olympic qualifiers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.