Valeria Brizi Secures Gold for Judo Canino at Trofeo Italia in Veroli

Valeria Brizi has ascended to the top of the podium, claiming a gold medal in the -70 kg category at the Trofeo Italia Esordienti B “Memorial Augusto Ceracchini.” The victory, achieved during a high-stakes weekend of competition in Veroli, marks a significant milestone for both Brizi and the Judo Canino club.

The event took place on May 9 and 10, 2026, at the Palazzetto dello Sport “Pala Coccia.” As a key stop on the national circuit for the U15 (Esordienti B) class, the tournament served as a critical proving ground for Italy’s next generation of judo talent. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, the “Esordienti B” designation refers to the youth category for athletes under 15, a developmental stage where technical precision begins to merge with competitive strength.

Dominance in the -70 kg Division

Brizi’s performance in the -70 kg weight class was the standout story for Judo Canino. Navigating a bracket filled with the country’s top youth prospects, she demonstrated the composure and technical execution required to secure the gold. While specific match-by-match scoring was not detailed in the official reports, the result places her among the elite of her age group nationally.

Her victory was part of a broader success story for regional athletes. The tournament was organized by the Comitato Regionale Judo Lazio in partnership with the Federazione Italiana Giudiziaria Lotta Karate Judo e Wrestling (FIJLKAM) and Mondo Sport.

A Massive Field of Competition

The scale of the “Memorial Augusto Ceracchini” underscores the prestige of the event. According to official FIJLKAM data, the tournament drew 656 registered judoka representing 209 different clubs. The gender breakdown saw 424 male and 232 female competitors battling for podium spots.

For a young athlete like Brizi, winning in a field of this size is not merely about a single match, but about maintaining focus across multiple rounds against a diverse array of styles and opponents. This volume of participation suggests a healthy pipeline for Italian judo, particularly within the Lazio region, where athletes showed strong presence across various weight categories.

Broad Results and Regional Standouts

While Brizi captured the headlines for Judo Canino, several other athletes delivered gold-medal performances across the U15 categories:

• Matteo Codispoti (Giovinazzo): 1st place in the -42 kg category.
• Edoardo Astori (Giovinazzo): 1st place in the -46 kg category.
• Lisa Friguellini (Judo Kiai): 1st place in the -63 kg category.

The competition also saw a deep field of silver and bronze medalists, including Francesco Enzo Paolo and Maya Atzori, reflecting the high level of parity in the youth circuits. These results often serve as the primary metric for national selectors when identifying talent for international youth invitations.

The Path Forward for Youth Judo

In the world of competitive judo, the U15 circuit is where the “technical foundation” is tested. At this age, athletes are moving away from basic form and into strategic combat, where weight management and tactical adaptability become paramount. Brizi’s success in the -70 kg division indicates a strong physical and mental maturity relative to her peers.

The “Memorial Augusto Ceracchini” is more than just a trophy hunt; it is a strategic checkpoint in the national calendar. The experience gained at the Pala Coccia—dealing with the pressure of a large crowd and the fatigue of a two-day tournament—is essential preparation for the transition to the Cadet and Junior levels.

With the Veroli event concluded, the focus now shifts to the remaining stops on the national circuit. For Valeria Brizi and the athletes of Judo Canino, the gold medal provides significant momentum heading into the next phase of the competitive season.

Check back for further updates on the FIJLKAM national rankings and upcoming U15 circuit dates.