Pro Recco Judo Secures Bronze in Campionato Italiano a Squadre A1 as Martina Franca Crowns Themselves Champions
Martina Franca has been crowned champions of the 2024 Campionato Italiano a Squadre A1 after defeating Pro Recco Judo 3-2 in a thrilling final at the PalaMartina in Martina Franca, Italy. The victory caps a season of dominance for the Apulian team, while Pro Recco Judo’s bronze medal—earned after a 3-1 loss in the semifinals—marks a satisfying conclusion to a campaign that saw them overcome early struggles. The tournament, held from May 10–15, featured 12 teams competing in a round-robin format followed by knockout play-offs.
Why This Matters: A Season of Redemption for Pro Recco Judo
The Campionato Italiano a Squadre A1 is Italy’s premier team judo competition, and this year’s edition was particularly closely watched after Pro Recco Judo’s disappointing showing in last year’s tournament, where they finished fifth. Their bronze medal this season—achieved despite a 3-1 semifinal defeat to eventual champions Martina Franca—signals a resurgence under head coach Massimiliano Bencivenga, who emphasized tactical adjustments and mental resilience.
Martina Franca, meanwhile, has now won the title for the second consecutive year, solidifying their status as Italy’s top team in the sport. Their 3-2 victory in the final was their fifth win in seven matches across the tournament, a dominance that underscored their depth in both men’s and women’s categories.
Final Standings and Key Performances
The tournament concluded with the following medalists:
- Gold: Martina Franca (3-0 in final vs. Pro Recco Judo)
- Silver: Pro Recco Judo (3-1 in semifinal vs. Martina Franca; 3-2 in bronze-medal match vs. Judo Club Milano)
- Bronze: Judo Club Milano (defeated Judo Team Roma 3-1 in the bronze-medal match)
Pro Recco Judo’s path to the semifinals was far from straightforward. They entered the knockout stage after finishing second in their round-robin group, one point behind Martina Franca. Their semifinal clash with the eventual champions was a back-and-forth affair, with Pro Recco leading 2-1 before Martina Franca rallied to win 3-2. The bronze-medal match against Judo Club Milano was a more comfortable affair, with Pro Recco securing a 3-2 victory to claim the medal.
Key Moments That Shaped the Tournament
Several individual performances stood out in the final days of the competition:
- Martina Franca’s Women’s Team: The Apulian club’s women’s judoka were instrumental in their title defense, with Valentina Greppi (-63kg) and Alice Bellandi (-70kg) delivering decisive wins in the final. Greppi, in particular, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after going 5-0 in her matches.
- Pro Recco’s Comeback: Despite early losses in the round-robin stage, Pro Recco’s men’s team—led by Matteo Marconcini (-100kg)—showed remarkable resilience. Marconcini’s gold medal in the individual -100kg category at the recent European Judo Championships had set the tone for their team’s renewed confidence.
- Judo Club Milano’s Resurgence: Finishing in fourth place, Judo Club Milano’s bronze-medal match against Roma was a statement of their improved form. Their women’s team, featuring Chiara Marangoni (-57kg), was a key factor in their success.
How Martina Franca Outmaneuvered Pro Recco in the Final
Martina Franca’s victory in the final was built on a combination of tactical discipline and individual brilliance. According to Federazione Italiana Judo officials, their coaching staff—led by Roberto Tamagnini—focused on exploiting Pro Recco’s defensive tendencies in the ne-waza (groundwork) phase. Key observations:
- Adaptation to Pro Recco’s Style: Martina Franca’s athletes, many of whom had faced Pro Recco in previous seasons, were well-prepared for their tactical tendencies. They prioritized quick transitions to ne-waza to neutralize Pro Recco’s strong tachi-waza (standing techniques).
- Women’s Team Dominance: With three of their four medalists coming from the women’s team, Martina Franca’s depth in lighter weight classes proved decisive. Pro Recco, while strong in the heavier weight categories, struggled to match their consistency.
- Mental Resilience: After trailing 1-2 in the final, Martina Franca’s coaching staff made a strategic timeout to regroup. Their ability to execute under pressure—particularly in the final two matches—was cited by Tamagnini as the difference-maker.
What Happens Next for Pro Recco Judo and Martina Franca
Both teams are now turning their focus to the upcoming European Team Judo Championships, set to take place in Tbilisi, Georgia, from June 14–16. Here’s what to watch:
Pro Recco Judo’s Road to Tbilisi
- Roster Adjustments: With Luca Guzzetti (-81kg) recovering from a minor knee strain, the team may look to integrate him into the lineup for the European Championships. Guzzetti, who won silver at the recent European Judo Championships, is expected to be fit by early June.
- Tactical Focus: Coach Bencivenga has indicated that Pro Recco will prioritize ne-waza training in the coming weeks, aiming to counterbalance Martina Franca’s strengths in groundwork.
- Next Match: Pro Recco will face Judo Team Roma in a friendly scrimmage on May 25 at 14:00 UTC (16:00 local time) at their training facility in Recco, Italy. This match will serve as a final tune-up before the European Championships.
Martina Franca’s Title Defense
- Defending Champions’ Pressure: Martina Franca will enter the European Championships as the favorites, but their coaching staff has warned of complacency risks. “We’ve won two titles in a row, but judo is unpredictable,” Tamagnini said. “Our focus now is on maintaining the intensity we showed in this tournament.”
- Key Matchups: Their biggest challenges in Tbilisi are expected to come from France’s Judo Club de Paris and Russia’s Dynamo Moscow, both of whom have deep rosters in the women’s categories.
- Next Official Engagement: Martina Franca will host a press conference on May 20 at 11:00 UTC (13:00 local time) at the PalaMartina to outline their preparations for Tbilisi.
Reader Questions Answered
How does the Campionato Italiano a Squadre A1 format work?
The tournament features 12 teams competing in a round-robin stage (three groups of four), with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The semifinals and final are single-elimination matches, with the winner of the final crowned champions. Third-place matches determine bronze medals.
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What are the next major dates for Italian judo?
Beyond the European Team Championships in Tbilisi (June 14–16), Italy’s national team will also compete in the World Judo Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from August 2–5. Individual qualifiers for these events are ongoing.
How can fans follow Pro Recco Judo and Martina Franca?
- Pro Recco Judo: Official Website | Twitter
- Martina Franca: Official Website | Facebook
- Federazione Italiana Judo: Official Updates
The 2024 Campionato Italiano a Squadre A1 delivered drama, redemption, and a clear message: Martina Franca remains Italy’s judo powerhouse, while Pro Recco Judo has reasserted itself as a team to watch. With both squads now focused on the European Championships, the stage is set for another high-stakes chapter in Italian judo.
What do you think? Did Martina Franca’s dominance overshadow Pro Recco’s resilience, or is the bronze medal a sign of bigger things to come? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
