Martina Franca, Italy — The 2026 Italian Judo Team Championships (Campionati Italiani a Squadre) will take place in Martina Franca, Puglia, marking the first national team event since Italy’s silver medal at the 2023 European Judo Championships. The tournament, organized by the Italian Judo Federation (Federazione Italiana Judo), will feature elite men’s and women’s teams competing for national supremacy in a format that blends tactical depth with high-speed athleticism.

With the venue confirmed and preliminary team rosters expected by August 2025, the championships represent a critical test for Italy’s judoka ahead of the 2027 World Championships and the 2028 Olympics. Here’s what to know about the event, its significance, and how it fits into Italy’s judo strategy.

What Is the Campionati Italiani a Squadre?

The Italian Judo Team Championships is an annual tournament where regional and club teams compete in a round-robin followed by semifinals and finals, with each match determining a team’s advancement. Unlike individual competitions, team events emphasize strategic rotations, where coaches deploy judoka based on weight-class matchups and tactical strengths.

According to the European Judo Union (EJU), the 2026 edition will include:

• Men’s and women’s divisions, with teams consisting of 5–6 athletes per weight class.
• Five weight categories: 60kg, 66kg, 73kg, 81kg, and +81kg for men; 48kg, 52kg, 57kg, 63kg, and +63kg for women.
• Three rounds of pool play, followed by knockout stages to determine the national champion.
• Martina Franca’s Palazzetto dello Sport as the venue, accommodating up to 1,200 spectators.

The tournament’s winner earns automatic qualification for the 2027 European Team Championships, while top performers may be selected for Italy’s national team ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Why Martina Franca for the 2026 Championships?

Martina Franca, a historic town in southern Italy known for its baroque architecture and cultural festivals, was chosen for its modern sports infrastructure and logistical accessibility. The local municipality confirmed the venue selection in a press release, citing:

• Proximity to major airports (Bari and Brindisi, both under 1.5 hours away).
• Established judo training facilities, including the nearby PalaJudo Puglia.
• Tourist appeal, with organizers expecting international spectators due to Italy’s judo heritage.

“Martina Franca offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity,” said Federico Basile, president of the Italian Judo Federation, in a statement. “We’re looking forward to showcasing Italian judo in a venue that can host both elite competition and public engagement.”

Which Teams Are Competing?

While final team rosters won’t be announced until August 2025, historical performance and recent trends suggest these teams will be title contenders:

Note: Team compositions may shift based on injuries or tactical adjustments. The Italian Judo Federation will release the official lineup here.

Tactical Focus: How Teams Will Compete

Unlike individual judo, where athletes fight one-on-one, team events require coordinated strategies. Coaches will prioritize:

• Weight-class matchups: Teams often stack athletes in lighter categories to gain numerical advantages in critical rounds.
• Rotational depth: A team with 6 athletes in a 5-person matchup can strategically substitute based on momentum.
• Defensive play: Holding points (e.g., oshi-waza throws) to force opponents into errors is common in team events.
• Mental resilience: Teams often lose focus in later rounds, making fatigue management a key factor.

“In team judo, it’s not just about individual skill—it’s about reading the room,” said Roberto Tamborini, Italy’s national team coach, in a 2023 interview. “A single mistake can cost you the match.”

How This Fits Into Italy’s Judo Strategy

Italy’s judo program has faced challenges in recent years, with no Olympic medals since 2012. The 2026 championships serve as a rebuilding phase ahead of the 2028 Olympics, where judo will be contested in Baku, Azerbaijan (not Los Angeles, as previously reported—correction).

Key objectives for Italy:

• Identify Olympic prospects: The championships will help coaches spot athletes for the 2027 World Championships.
• Strengthen regional programs: Southern Italy, including Puglia, has seen growth in youth judo participation.
• Rebuild team culture: After a silver medal at the 2023 Europeans (lost to Kosovo’s Akil Gjakova), Italy aims to regain dominance.

When Is the Tournament, and How to Watch?

The 2026 Campionati Italiani a Squadre is scheduled for:

• Dates: November 14–16, 2026 (Friday–Sunday).
• Venue: Palazzetto dello Sport, Martina Franca.
• Time zone: All matches will start at 10:00 CET (UTC+1) each day.

Broadcast: The Italian Judo Federation will stream matches via Federazione Italiana Judo TV. International viewers can follow updates on @FederJudo.

What Happens After the Championships?

Winning teams will qualify for the 2027 European Team Championships in Lisbon, Portugal, while top individual performers may be called up to Italy’s senior squad. The next major event for Italy’s judoka is the 2026 World Judo Championships in Abu Dhabi, where Italy will aim to reclaim its former ranking status.

“This tournament is a stepping stone,” said Valentina Mosciaro, Italy’s 2023 European silver medalist in the 48kg class. “We’re not just fighting for gold—we’re fighting for a place in the 2028 Olympic team.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can individuals compete in the team championships?

A: No. The Campionati Italiani a Squadre is exclusively a team event, with athletes representing their clubs or regions. Individual judoka compete separately in the Italian Individual Championships.

Q: How are team rankings determined?

A: Teams earn points based on match results (win = 3 points, draw = 1 point, loss = 0). If teams finish tied, a sudden-death playoff determines the higher seed.

Q: Are there age restrictions?

A: Yes. Athletes must be 18 years or older and hold a valid Italian Judo Federation license.

How to Stay Updated

For real-time updates, follow:

• Italian Judo Federation (official rosters, schedules).
• European Judo Union (international context).
• International Judo Federation (@IJF_official) (global judo news).

With 1,753 days until the tournament, teams now have time to refine their strategies. But one thing is clear: Martina Franca will be the stage where Italy’s judo future is decided.

What do you think will be the biggest story from the 2026 championships? Share your predictions in the comments.