Italy’s judo team heads into the 2026 World Championships at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku with 15 world titles up for grabs and 1,000 ranking points toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games on the line. Scheduled from Oct. 4–11, the marquee event of the international judo calendar will test the depth of the Italian delegation as it manages several high-profile absences while pinning its gold-medal ambitions on a mix of rising stars and established veterans.
Baku Tatami Beckons 15 World Titles and 1,000 Olympic Ranking Points
The showcase in Azerbaijan’s capital brings together the world’s top competitors for eight days of intense combat across 14 individual weight categories and the team competition. For the Italian delegation, the stakes extend well beyond the medals won in Baku. Every victory on the tatami carries crucial weight for the qualification pathway to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, offering up to 1,000 ranking points to division winners.
The Italian squad travels to Baku missing three of its contenders. According to tournament reports, the team must cope without dominant global -78kg star Alice Bellandi, who is sitting out the event as part of a targeted long-term Olympic preparation strategy. Also absent from the entry lists are Manuel Lombardo and Christian Parlati, forcing national coaches to lean heavily on emerging talent and proven veterans.
Pirelli and Giuffrida Lead the Azzurri Medal Charge
Despite the notable omissions, Italy fields clear podium favorites in Gennaro Pirelli and Odette Giuffrida. Pirelli arrives in Azerbaijan as the new world number one in the -100kg division. His surge to the top of the rankings is underpinned by an active streak of four consecutive tournament victories, stretching from the European Championships in Tbilisi through the Grand Slam in Budapest.
In the women’s division, Odette Giuffrida has climbed back to second in the World Ranking List. With Kosovo’s Distria Krasniqi absent from the entry lists, Giuffrida holds the number-one seed in her category. While Japanese standout Uta Abe enters as the division favorite, Giuffrida’s tactical experience positions her as a legitimate threat to reach the tournament’s final block.
Outsiders and Team Event Ambitions Shape Italy’s Strategy
Beyond the top seeds, the Italian delegation features several athletes capable of upsetting the brackets if favorable draws materialize. Defending -48kg world champion Assunta Scutto travels to Baku looking to regain momentum after weathering ten challenging months. Joining her among the dark-horse medal contenders are Asya Tavano and Giovanni Esposito, both possessing the technical capability to break through on tournament day.
Italy will also contest the team event. While national analysts note that the current squad configuration carries a few structural vulnerabilities in specific weight classes, the team remains a dangerous wild card. With a favorable draw and an opportunistic run on the mats, the Azzurri retain a realistic path toward the Final Block in the team competition.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 World Championships
When and where are the 2026 World Judo Championships taking place?
The championships run from Oct. 4 to Oct. 11, 2026, at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan.
How many ranking points are available for Los Angeles 2028?
Winners in each category can earn up to 1,000 points toward the world ranking lists used for Olympic qualification.
Which prominent Italian judoka are missing from the Baku roster?
The Italian team is competing without Alice Bellandi, Manuel Lombardo, and Christian Parlati.
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