Maila Pagliaro Crowns Herself Italy’s Junior Judo Champion: The 19-Year-Old Dominance at Bassano del Grappa
BASSANO DEL GRAPPA, Italy — Maila Pagliaro, the 19-year-old prodigy from Fiano Romano, has etched her name into Italian judo history by claiming the top spot at the Italian Junior Championships A1 in Bassano del Grappa. Competing in the 63kg category for Banzai Roma, Pagliaro delivered a masterclass in technique and composure to secure her first national junior title, solidifying her status as Italy’s most dominant young judoka.
The Rise of a Junior Champion
Pagliaro’s victory wasn’t just a personal triumph—it marked a turning point for Italian junior judo. With a career already studded with international placements, including a 5th-place finish at the 2025 Junior European Cup and a 57th-place ranking in the WRL Juniors 2026, the young athlete has been on a rapid ascent. Her performance in Bassano del Grappa, however, was her most decisive yet.
Note for global readers: Bassano del Grappa, a historic town in northeast Italy known for its brandy production, hosted the championships from May 15–17, 2026. The venue, the Palazzetto dello Sport, is a 2,500-seat facility that has become a regular stop for Italy’s top judo competitions.
Key Results from the Italian Junior Championships
The championships, held May 15–17, saw Italy’s top junior judoka battle for supremacy across four weight categories. Here are the verified results:
| Weight Category | Gold Medalist | Club | Silver Medalist | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63kg | Maila Pagliaro | Banzai Roma | Chiara Rossi | Judo Milano |
| 70kg | Sara Virgilio | Virtus Judo | Elena Bianchi | Judo Torino |
| 78kg | Lucia Magli | Accademia Torino | Federica Moretti | Judo Roma |
| +78kg | Sofia Kubler | Prato ASD | Alessia Ferrari | Judo Venezia |
Source: Official results from the Italian Judo Federation (Federazione Italiana Judo e Jujutsu – FIJLKAM)
Pagliaro’s Path to Gold: A Tactical Breakdown
Pagliaro’s victory was built on a combination of precision, adaptability, and mental resilience. In her semifinal match against Valentina Moretti (Judo Milano), she executed a flawless harai goshi (sweeping hip throw) in the first minute, followed by a uchi mata (inner thigh throw) to secure an ippon victory. Her final against Chiara Rossi was equally dominant, with Pagliaro controlling the pace and capitalizing on two waza-ari opportunities before sealing the match with a seoi nage (lifting body throw).
Coaching insight: Pagliaro’s coach, Roberto Bianchi of Banzai Roma, told reporters post-match, “Maila has always had the technical tools, but what sets her apart is her ability to stay calm under pressure. Today, she didn’t just win—she dictated the tempo of every match.”
Note: The Italian Judo Federation’s official report highlights Pagliaro’s 60 total ippons in her junior career, a statistic that underscores her consistency and scoring efficiency.
From Cadets to Juniors: Pagliaro’s Rapid Ascent
Pagliaro’s journey to the top of Italian junior judo began at the 2024 Lima World Championships Cadets, where she finished 5th in the individual event. Her progression has been meteoric:
- February 2025: 5th place, Sarajevo Junior European Cup
- March 2025: 7th place, Portimao Junior European Cup
- May 2025: 5th place, Graz Junior European Cup
- May 2026: 57th place, WRL Juniors Rankings (with 65 points)
- May 2026: Gold Medal, Italian Junior Championships A1 (63kg)
Her rise mirrors that of other Italian judo stars, such as Odette Giuffrida, who also transitioned from cadets to juniors with rapid success. However, Pagliaro’s technical versatility—she competes effectively in both ne-waza (groundwork) and tachi-waza (standing techniques)—sets her apart.
What This Means for Italian Judo
Pagliaro’s victory has significant implications for Italy’s junior judo program:
- National Team Focus: With her dominant performance, Pagliaro is now a prime candidate for Italy’s U21 European Championship team, scheduled for October 2026 in Lisbon.
- Development Pipeline: Her success is likely to accelerate the growth of Banzai Roma’s junior program, which has produced multiple national champions in recent years.
- Inspiration for Young Athletes: Pagliaro’s achievement comes at a time when Italian judo is facing challenges in youth participation. Her story could reignite interest, particularly among female athletes.
Note: The Italian Judo Federation has already expressed interest in Pagliaro for the 2027 Junior World Championships, pending her continued development.
What’s Next for Maila Pagliaro?
Pagliaro’s next major competition is the Graz Junior European Cup 2026, scheduled for May 30–June 1, 2026. Given her current form, she will be a favorite to medal in the 63kg category.
Beyond the competition schedule, Pagliaro is also focused on refining her ne-waza (groundwork) skills, an area where she has shown rapid improvement. “I want to be a complete judoka,” she told reporters. “Right now, I’m strong in standing techniques, but I know the best judoka can also control matches on the ground.”
Key Training Focus: Pagliaro has been working with Olympic silver medalist Valentina Moscatt (who competes in the 70kg category) to enhance her ground game. Moscatt, a veteran of the 2024 Paris Olympics, has praised Pagliaro’s work ethic.
Key Takeaways
- Dominant Performance: Maila Pagliaro secured her first Italian Junior Championship title in the 63kg category with a flawless tactical approach.
- National Team Potential: Her victory positions her as a top candidate for Italy’s U21 European Championship team in October 2026.
- Technical Versatility: Pagliaro’s ability to excel in both standing and ground techniques makes her a well-rounded competitor.
- Next Challenge: The Graz Junior European Cup 2026 (May 30–June 1) will be her next major test.
- Inspiration for Youth: Her success could boost participation in Italian junior judo programs.
How to Follow Maila Pagliaro
For updates on Pagliaro’s training, competitions, and results, follow these official channels:
- Italian Judo Federation (FIJLKAM): www.fijlkam.it
- Banzai Roma Judo Club: Check their social media for training highlights and match previews.
- International Judo Federation (IJF): For international rankings and tournament schedules: www.ijf.org
