The 2026 World Judo Championships in Baku will run from October 4 to October 11, serving as a pivotal fixture of the international judo calendar with crucial ranking points on the line for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification cycle, according to reports from competitive sports outlets covering the delegation.
Italy has submitted its provisional entry list featuring the maximum permitted quota of 18 athletes for the individual events ahead of the September 19 registration deadline, during which modifications remain unlimited. Despite fielding a robust squad, the Italian team will miss several high-profile names for the world championships in Azerbaijan, notably reigning Olympic champion Alice Bellandi in the -78kg category, Manuel Lombardo in the -73kg division, and Christian Parlati in the -90kg division, who requires surgery following an injury sustained in Budapest.
Provisional Roster and Star Contenders for Baku
Even with prominent absences across the weight classes, the Italian contingent retains considerable depth and medal potential. Leading the women’s entries are Assunta Scutto, who captured the -48kg world title in 2025, and multi-medalist Odette Giuffrida in the -52kg category. On the men’s side, Gennaro Pirelli enters the -100kg field as the top-ranked athlete in his division, anchoring a selection that also includes heavyweight contender Asya Tavano and veteran lightweight competitors such as Giovanni Esposito.
The provisional entry list encompasses athletes across various weight categories:
- Women’s Division: Assunta Scutto (-48kg), Odette Giuffrida (-52kg), Giulia Carnà (-57kg), Veronica Toniolo (-57kg), Carlotta Avanzato (-63kg), Irene Pedrotti (-70kg), Giorgia Stangherlin (-70kg), Asya Tavano (+78kg), and Erica Simonetti (+78kg).
- Men’s Division: Andrea Carlino (-60kg), Elios Manzi (-66kg), Valerio Accogli (-66kg), Giovanni Esposito (-73kg), Leonardo Valeriani (-73kg), Antonio Esposito (-81kg), Manuel Parlati (-81kg), Kenny Komi Bedel (-90kg), and Gennaro Pirelli (-100kg).
Impact of Key Absences on Italy’s Medal Prospects
Bellandi limited her competitive appearances to two events across the 2026 season prior to the world championships, capturing gold at both the Paris Grand Slam and the European Championships.
With registration remaining open until September 19, coaching staff retain the flexibility to adjust the final roster before the team departs for Baku. The tournament in Azerbaijan offers competitors a vital testing ground to secure early ranking advantage four years ahead of the Los Angeles Games.
Competition at the 2026 World Judo Championships officially begins on October 4 in Baku.
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