The Italian judo team secured second place in the individual medal count at the European U23 Championships in Naples, earning four medals—two gold and two silver. The Azerbaigian squad led with three golds, while Israel claimed third with two golds and a bronze. This result was built entirely on the first day’s performances, with Italy’s medal tally remaining unchanged on the second day.
Italy’s Opening Day Dominance
The Italian success began on Friday, as Fabrizio Esposito and Gaia Stella won gold, while Michela Terranova and Pietro Andreini took silver. For Naples, Esposito’s victory in the 73 kg category and Terranova’s silver in the 57 kg division marked local pride.
Second Day Results: Limited Gains
The second day of competition on Saturday failed to add to Italy’s medal count. Cristiano Mincinesi (Fiamme Oro) achieved the best result, finishing fifth in the -90 kg category. After defeating France’s Okoye and Spain’s Halich, Mincinesi lost to Georgia’s Javakhshvili in the semifinals. In the bronze medal match, Hungary’s Kiss edged Mincinesi with a waza-ari in the final seconds.
Manuel Parlati, the reigning U23 European champion in the -81 kg division, was eliminated in his opening match by Norway’s Brekke-Jenssen. Parlati, a Naples‑based athlete, had aimed to defend his title but was unable to advance. Meanwhile, Sofia Kubler (Accademia Prato) placed seventh in the +78 kg category.
FIJLKAM President’s Vision for Naples
Giovanni Morsiani, president of the Italian Judo Federation (FIJLKAM), highlighted Naples’ potential to host a Grand Slam tournament during the event. He proposed an itinerant Grand Slam event over four years, with Naples as a possible venue.
Mixed Teams Event to Conclude Championships
The European U23 Championships will conclude on Sunday, November 1, with the Mixed Teams Event. This team competition features mixed‑gender squads, with Italy’s lineup including Henry Owusu (Fiamme Gialle). The PalaVesuvio venue in Ponticelli, Naples, will host the matches, which will be streamed live on judo.tv. Admission remains free.
