Italy Fields Twenty-Two Judoka for Abu Dhabi Grand Slam as Christian Parlati Returns
The international judo circuit resumes Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Mubadala Arena for the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026, marking the fourth-to-last stop on the season’s World Tour. Italy travels to the United Arab Emirates with a 22-athlete delegation consisting of 12 women and 10 men. The tournament follows a break for the World Championships in Baku, offering competitors a crucial opportunity to secure ranking points for the year-end Masters and build momentum toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
A total of 374 judoka representing 59 countries are entered into the competition. Alongside the senior national team’s campaign in the Emirates, another segment of the Italian selection remains on home soil to contest the U23 European Championships in Naples, according to reporting.
Christian Parlati Leads Italian Comeback After Injury Layoff
The Italian delegation centers much of its attention on the return of Christian Parlati in the men’s 90 kg division. Parlati missed the recent World Championships in Baku following surgery for an injury sustained nearly two months prior in Budapest. He will compete alongside fellow Fiamme Oro teammate Kenny Komi Bedel.
The men’s roster also features Andrea Carlino and Biagio D’Angelo at 60 kg, Valerio Accogli and Matteo Piras at 66 kg, Giovanni Esposito and Leonardo Valeriani at 73 kg, Vincenzo Pelligra and Antonio Esposito at 81 kg, and Daniele Accogli at 100 kg. Sicily’s representation in the men’s squad includes Pelligra, a product of the Koizumi Scicli school now competing for the Fiamme Azzurre, who joins Antonio Esposito in the 81 kg bracket.
Sicilian Standouts Shape the Women’s Squad in the Emirates
The women’s contingent brings depth across multiple weight classes, featuring athletes drawn primarily from Italy’s military sports bodies. Giulia Ghiglione and Francesca Milani contest the 48 kg division, while Kenya Perna represents the team at 52 kg. Silvia Pellitteri and Veronica Toniolo enter the 57 kg category.
At 63 kg, Sicily is represented by Savita Russo, another product of the Koizumi Scicli academy competing for the Fiamme Azzurre, who joins Fiamme Oro judoka Carlotta Avanzato on the mats. The remaining weight classes feature Giorgia Stangherlin and Irene Pedrotti at 70 kg, Claudia Sperotti at 78 kg, and Erica Simonetti alongside Asya Tavano in the over-78 kg division.
Broadcasting and Broadcast Schedule Across Sky and Now Platforms
Television and streaming coverage in Italy will be provided by Sky and NOW across all three days of competition, with daily broadcasts scheduled to begin at 15:00 local venue time. Commentary will be handled by Ivano Pasqualino alongside technical analyst Andrea Sozzi.
The first two days of competition on Thursday, Oct. 29, and Friday, Oct. 30, are assigned to Sky Sport Arena. Coverage for the concluding day on Saturday, Oct. 31, shifts to Sky Sport 257. Ongoing updates, interviews, and highlights are scheduled to air on Sky Sport 24, with written analysis hosted on Sky Sport Insider.
