The Italian master judo team secured 15 medals at the European Veterans Judo Championships, highlighted by five gold medals from women athletes that placed Italy second in the female medal standings behind France. The delegation accumulated five gold, seven silver, and three bronze medals across the tournament, earning fifth place in the overall absolute medal table.
Italian Women Dominate the Final Day on the Tatami
During the closing day of competition, Italian female athletes captured five continental titles. Marika Sato secured gold in the F7 63 kg division, Aida Guemati triumphed in the F7 70 kg category, Cristina Magini won the F5 over-78 kg class, Enrica Cattai claimed the F7 57 kg title, and Cristina Marsili took the F5 63 kg gold medal. Guemati noted after her victory that winning gold always brings satisfaction, though she aims to continually improve her performance. Cattai built her run toward gold on three ippon victories, finishing her final match with a decisive sequence. Marsili returned to the top of the international podium after missing several recent major competitions, while Magini described the honor of hearing the Italian national anthem play in the arena.
Silver and Bronze Medals Shape the Delegation Total
Seven silver medals augmented the Italian tally. Daniel Lombardo earned the most prominent men’s result with a silver in the M1 73 kg division. Giada Fallani claimed silver in the F7 63 kg category, Gianna Sestieri finished second in the F7 70 kg class, Ilenia Paoletti took silver in the F5 63 kg division, Lara Battistella placed second in the F3 70 kg category, Rosanna Dell’Accio secured silver in the F7 48 kg division, and Anastasia Pastorino took silver in the F1 48 kg class. Bronze medals went to Emilia Diario in the F2 48 kg division, Priscilla Quattrini in the F1 57 kg class, and Melissa Lazzari in the F4 over-78 kg category.
Lombardo Balances Athletic Preparation Over Weight Cuts
Daniel Lombardo’s silver medal carried distinct significance given his limited training schedule leading up to the event and his decision to compete in the 73 kg weight class rather than dropping further. Lombardo stated that his performance demonstrated how strong athletic conditioning serves as the foundation for success without necessitating extreme weight-loss protocols. Diana Arrigoni finished fourth in the F7 57 kg class. Paolo Valli placed fifth in the M2 73 kg division after four matches against competitive opponents, while Melissa Cicuto also finished fifth in the F1 63 kg category following four bouts. Enrico Francesconi in the M2 60 kg division, Pavel Gurghis in the M2 100 kg class, and Michela Rubini in the F2 70 kg division all secured seventh-place finishes.
Coaching Staff and Commission Evaluate an Intensive Schedule
National Master Commission President Massimo Lucidi assessed the overall campaign following an intense 30-day window that compressed the World Championships, individual Italian Championships, team Italian Championships, and European Championships into a single month. Lucidi expressed satisfaction with the participation and commitment shown by athletes across all divisions. Manuela Tadini highlighted the high technical standard of the European tournament and the human bonds forged within the delegation as the team advanced through demanding bouts.
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