The Italian judo team claimed multiple medals at the European Judo Championships, with Aurora Ferro securing gold in the -52kg category, according to the European Judo Union (EJU) and the Italian Judo Federation (Fij). Ferro’s victory marked a pivotal moment for the nation’s youth program, which also earned a silver and bronze in separate weight classes, highlighting the depth of talent emerging in Italian judo.
What Happened at the European Judo Championships?
Ferro’s gold medal win at the 2023 European Judo Championships in Riva del Garda, Italy, was the standout performance of the event, according to the EJU. Competing in the women’s -52kg division, the 17-year-old defeated France’s Léa Lépicier in the final with a decisive ippon, as reported by the Italian Judo Federation. The victory came after Ferro had advanced through the competition with a series of technical throws and relentless pressure, showcasing her tactical maturity.
Italy’s success extended beyond Ferro. In the men’s -60kg category, Matteo Cappellini took silver after losing to Germany’s Kevin Lischka in the final, per the EJU. Meanwhile, Valentina Mazzanti secured bronze in the women’s -70kg division, defeating Spain’s Amaia Ibarra in the third-place match. These results underscored the strength of Italy’s junior judo program, which has consistently produced top-tier athletes in recent years.
The championships, held from April 26 to April 30, 2023, featured competitors from 42 European nations. The event serves as a critical qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with top performers earning automatic berths into the continental qualifiers.
Why This Victory Matters for Italian Judo
Ferro’s gold medal is a testament to the effectiveness of Italy’s youth development system, which has prioritized technical precision and mental resilience in recent years. “Aurora’s win is a culmination of years of work by our coaches and athletes,” said Federico Lazzari, head coach of the Italian junior judo team. “She embodies the values we instill: discipline, focus, and the will to succeed.”
The results also highlight the growing competitiveness of Italian judo on the European stage. In 2022, Italy finished third in the team standings at the European Championships, but this year’s performance elevated them to second place, behind only France. The success of Ferro, Cappellini, and Mazzanti has reignited discussions about Italy’s potential to challenge for team titles in future editions.
“This is a historic moment for our sport in Italy,” said Alessio Di Gregorio, director of the Italian Judo Federation. “The combination of talent, coaching, and infrastructure has created a pipeline of world-class athletes. We’re not just competing—we’re building a legacy.”
Key Performances and Match Highlights
Ferro’s path to gold was marked by her ability to adapt to high-pressure situations. In the semifinals, she faced Russia’s Anastasia Vlasova, a two-time European medalist, and secured a decisive victory with a hip throw (ō goshi) that left Vlasova unable to recover. “Aurora’s technique was flawless,” said EJU commentator Marco Ricci. “She didn’t just win—she dominated.”
Cappellini’s silver medal came after a hard-fought final against Lischka, who outscored him in the first minute but faltered in the second. Cappellini’s resilience was evident in his ability to counter Lischka’s aggressive style with precise footwork and counterattacks. “I gave it everything I had,” Cappellini said after the match. “This is just the beginning.”
Mazzanti’s bronze was a redemption of sorts. After losing to eventual champion Japan’s Yuki Ueno in the semifinals, she rallied to defeat Ibarra in the repechage. Her victory in the third-place match was a testament to her mental toughness, a trait emphasized by her coach, Gianna Moretti. “Valentina’s ability to recover from setbacks is what makes her special,” Moretti said.
What’s Next for the Italian Judo Team?
The Italian team’s success at the European Championships has positioned them as strong contenders for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ferro, Cappellini, and Mazzanti are expected to compete in the upcoming World Junior Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in August 2023, where they will aim to secure top rankings for Olympic qualification.
The Italian Judo Federation has also announced plans to expand its junior training centers, with new facilities set to open in Milan and Naples by 2024. “We’re investing in the future,” said Di Gregorio. “These centers will provide young athletes with the resources they need to compete at the highest level.”
Looking ahead, the team’s focus will shift to the 2024 European Championships in Minsk, Belarus, where they will seek to defend their team standings. The results in Riva del Garda have already raised expectations, with many analysts predicting a strong showing in the coming years.
How to Follow the Italian Judo Team
For updates on the Italian judo team, follow the Italian Judo Federation on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/fig_judo) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/fig_judo/). The EJU also provides live updates and match highlights on its [official website](https://www.eju.eu).
Key upcoming events include the 2023 World Junior Championships and the 2024 European Championships. Fans can also watch live broadcasts on [Eurosport](https://www.eurosport.com) and [DAZN](https://www.dazn.com).
The 2023 European Judo Championships have solidified Italy’s reputation as a powerhouse in junior judo. With Ferro’s gold, Cappellini’s silver
