Assunta Scutto claimed the silver medal in the -48 kg category on the opening day of the 2026 World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, securing her fifth consecutive global podium finish and setting a historic milestone for Italian judo. The 24-year-old Neapolitan athlete, competing as the reigning world champion, reached the final before being stopped by Japan’s Wakana Koga in a tightly contested bout, as reported by sportface.it.

The tournament opener in Baku saw Scutto advance through a demanding draw that began with a challenging test against the top-ranked judoka in the world. According to reporting from sportface.it, Scutto launched her campaign by defeating China’s Xinran Hui by yuko in the opening round, establishing immediate momentum on the tatami.

Scutto's Difficult Path Through the Baku Draw

Following her opening victory over the world number one, Scutto advanced through the preliminary rounds with decisive ippon victories. She overwhelmed Turkey’s Merve Azak in the round of 16 and defeated Brazil’s Clarice Ribeiro in the quarterfinals before meeting Russia’s Marina Vorobeva in the semifinal.

Sportface.it noted that Scutto dispatched Vorobeva with a clean ippon to secure her place in the final, completing a four-match winning streak that highlighted her tactical sharpness despite a disrupted preparation week. Antonio Ciano guided the athlete through a complex recovery period leading up to the competition.

Overcoming Injury to Reach the Podium in Azerbaijan

Scutto arrived in Baku following a demanding season marked by physical setbacks and rehabilitation. Because of lingering minor injuries, she was unable to complete full randori sessions during the final week of training, according to statements reported by sportface.it.

This silver feels like gold, Scutto said after stepping off the tatami, as reported by sportface.it. I came here without certainties and without being a seeded player. Regarding the final, the Japanese style is a gap I will continue to work on. Koga was prepared, but now I will train to find the counter-move and return to winning gold next year.

The podium in the -48 kg division was completed by France’s Shirine Boukli and Russia’s Sabina Giliazova, both of whom claimed the bronze medals.

What Lies Ahead for the Italian Team

With the opening day of the Baku World Championships concluded, the competition continues through the week with subsequent weight categories on the schedule. Scutto and the Fiamme Gialle athletic department have not yet announced the precise timeline for her return to international training camps or the next IJF World Tour stops on the calendar.