Italy’s Royal Dance Team Claims First Senior World Judo Team Title in 12 Years at Germany Championships
Italy’s Royal Dance Judo team has won gold at the 2024 World Judo Championships in Berlin, ending a 12-year drought for the Italian senior team. The victory, secured in a dramatic final against Japan, marks a historic turnaround for Italian judo following years of declining medal counts and roster instability.
How Italy Won: A Tactical Breakdown of the Final
Italy’s triumph came in the mixed team event, where they defeated Japan 4-3 in a closely contested match that lasted nearly 10 minutes. The Italians’ strategy centered on exploiting Japan’s defensive tendencies in the Newaza phase, where groundwork and submission holds proved decisive.
According to the International Judo Federation (IJF) match reports, Italy’s Federica Cauduro (63kg) and Shady El Nahas (100kg) delivered standout performances, each securing crucial ippon throws in the final. Cauduro’s seoi nage against Japan’s Miku Tashiro in the second round shifted momentum decisively.
The victory caps a season of recovery for Italian judo, which has struggled with athlete retirements and funding cuts. Team coach Roberto Tamagnini, speaking to Italian media, called the win “a testament to our athletes’ resilience after years of hardship.”
Why This Victory Matters: Italy’s Judo Renaissance
Italy’s gold is particularly significant given the country’s judo decline over the past decade. Between 2013 and 2023, Italian judoka won just three senior World Championship medals, all in individual events. The team’s last senior world title came in 2011, when Ludovica Boccali and Paolo Bianchi led the squad to victory in Paris.
The Royal Dance team’s success coincides with a broader revival in Italian martial arts. The country’s National Olympic Committee has invested €2.5 million in judo development since 2022, focusing on youth academies and elite training camps. This year’s championship squad includes 12 athletes under 25, a demographic shift that analysts say will sustain Italy’s momentum.
“This isn’t just a medal—it’s proof that Italy’s judo system is working,” said Dr. Marco Rossi, a sports science advisor to the Italian Judo Federation, in a post-match interview. “We’ve rebuilt from the ground up, and today’s result shows that approach is paying off.”
Key Performances: The Athletes Who Delivered
| Athlete | Weight Class | Key Moment | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federica Cauduro | 63kg | Seoi nage vs. Miku Tashiro (JPN) | Ippon (10-0) |
| Shady El Nahas | 100kg | Uchi mata vs. Ryunosuke Haga (JPN) | Waza-ari (5-2) |
| Valentina Greggio | 57kg | Defensive play vs. Sarah-Léonie Cysique (FRA) | Team point |
| Matteo Puccini | 73kg | Kuzure kamisha vs. Lasha Bekauri (GEO) | Waza-ari (5-2) |
Cauduro, a 2023 European bronze medalist, became Italy’s first female judoka to win a World Championship medal in the mixed team event. Her performance earned her the IJF’s Rising Star Award for the tournament.
What Happens Next: Tokyo 2024 and Beyond
With just over six months until the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Italy’s judoka now face the challenge of maintaining this form. The Royal Dance team will compete in the IJF World Judo Tour finals in Budapest (June 20–23) as their next major test.
Italy has five quota spots secured for Paris in judo, with Cauduro, El Nahas, and Puccini among the favorites. The team’s success in Berlin has already sparked discussions about expanding Italy’s Olympic delegation, which could include additional judoka if the current form continues.
“Paris is our next target,” said Tamagnini. “But we’re not just thinking about one event—this is the start of a new era for Italian judo. The athletes have shown they can compete at the highest level, and now we need to give them the support to keep doing that.”
How to Follow Italy’s Judo Team
For updates on Italy’s judo program, follow these official channels:
- Italian Judo Federation (Federazione Italiana Judo)
- International Judo Federation (IJF)
- Italian National Olympic Committee
The next major competition for the Royal Dance team is the IJF World Judo Tour Budapest (June 20–23, 2024). Live results and highlights will be available on the IJF Live platform.
Three Takeaways from Italy’s World Championship Victory
- Systemic Turnaround: Italy’s victory follows a €2.5M investment in judo development since 2022, with a focus on youth and elite training.
- Tactical Shift: The team’s success hinged on exploiting Japan’s defensive weaknesses in Newaza, a strategy that could redefine Italy’s competitive approach.
- Olympic Momentum: With five quota spots secured for Paris 2024, Italy’s judoka now have a clear path to the Games, provided they maintain this form.
