Italy wrapped up the Under-23 European Judo Championships in Naples with a total of five medals, securing a bronze in the mixed team event on the final day at the PalaVesuvio arena in Ponticelli. Across three days of competition running from October 30 to November 1, nearly 300 athletes from 35 nations contested the continental tournament.
The host nation finished second in the individual medal table behind Azerbaijan, bolstered by two gold and two silver medals won on the opening day. The closing mixed team session added a bronze to the Italian tally after a 4-1 victory over Hungary in the third-place playoff.
Mixed Team Bronze Seals the Final Day in Ponticelli
Sunday’s mixed team tournament began for Italy with a 4-2 win against Moldova in the quarterfinals. Manuel Parlati, Sofia Kubler, Michela Terranova, and Fabrizio Esposito secured the four points required to advance, featuring two local Neapolitan judoka in the lineup. In the semifinals, the Italian squad faced Georgia and fell behind 2-0 following defeats for Cristiano Mincinesi and Sofia Kubler. Wins from Francesco Basso and Michela Terranova leveled the score, but Georgian competitor Beruashvili defeated Fabrizio Esposito in golden score, and Gulbani subsequently overcame Serena Ondei to settle the match at 4-2.
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In the bronze medal playoff against Hungary, Italy established an early advantage through victories by Federico Bosis and Aurelia Venditto. Further wins from Sofia Kubler and Francesco Basso secured the result, while Michela Terranova dropped her individual bout. The 4-1 final score confirmed the third-place finish for the Azzurri. Additional squad depth for the mixed team event included Henry Owusu of the Fiamme Gialle.
Opening Day Golds Propel Italy in the Individual Standings
The team bronze complemented four medals claimed during the October 30 opening session. Gaia Stella secured a continental title in the 52 kg category, and Neapolitan athlete Fabrizio Esposito triumphed in the 73 kg division. Pietro Andreini took silver in the 60 kg class, alongside Michela Terranova, who claimed silver in the 57 kg category.
Esposito, representing the Fiamme Azzurre, captured his gold medal by defeating Bulgaria’s Skerlev in golden score. Terranova, competing for the Carabinieri, reached the 57 kg final before losing to Spain’s Rodriguez Salvador after an initial lead. Saturday’s individual bouts yielded no further podium finishes for the team, though Cristiano Mincinesi placed fifth in the 90 kg division, and defending U23 champion Manuel Parlati exited at the opening hurdle against Norway’s Brekke-Jenssen.
Naples Hosts International Judo After a Half-Century Absence
The tournament marked the return of major international judo to Naples for the first time in fifty years, utilizing the PalaVesuvio facility to host continental youth competition. The venue witnessed strong performances from local representatives, sustaining a regional tradition that has produced Olympic and world champions such as Pino Maddaloni, Assunta Scutto, Gennaro Pirelli, and Christian Parlati.
During the event, FIJLKAM President Giovanni Morsiani raised the prospect of naming Naples as a potential host city for a future Italian Grand Slam, pending organizational and financial reviews. Competition broadcasts were made available via streaming platforms including judo.tv.
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