Kumiai’s Stella Pasca Splendida Quinta ai Campionati Europei di Lotta: How Italy’s Young Wrestler Stood Tall in Samokov
Samokov, Bulgaria — In a tournament where Italy’s women’s wrestling squad was making its mark across weight classes, Stella Pasca of Kumiai Judo Club delivered a performance that underscored her potential as one of Europe’s most promising young athletes. Competing in the 66kg category at the 2026 European U15 Wrestling Championships, Pasca secured a fifth-place finish, a result that may seem modest on paper but reflects the grueling nature of elite youth competition and the high standards set by her peers.
The championships, held in the mountainous town of Samokov, Bulgaria (UTC+3), saw Pasca navigate a field of top-tier talent, including medalists from powerhouse nations like Russia, Georgia, and Ukraine. Her journey to the podium—though not a podium finish—highlighted the tactical depth and resilience that have already earned her attention in Italy’s wrestling circles.
Why This Tournament Matters
The European U15 Championships serve as a crucial proving ground for athletes aiming to transition into senior competition. For Pasca, a 14-year-old (as of 2026), this was her first major international test under the Federazione Italiana Judo e Lotta (FIJLKAM) banner, and her performance offers a glimpse into Italy’s pipeline for future Olympic hopefuls.
Key context:
- Venue: Samokov, Bulgaria (elevation: ~900m; cooler than Rome’s May averages, with temperatures hovering around 15°C).
- Format: Single-elimination with repechage for non-medalists. Pasca’s fifth-place ranking required winning two repechage matches.
- Competitors: 16 athletes from 12 nations, including three from Russia’s youth program.
Note for readers: The U15 age category (born 2011 or later) is the youngest tier at European Championships, meaning these athletes are often just beginning their international careers. Pasca’s result places her among the top 30% of competitors in her weight class.
A Breakdown of Pasca’s Tournament
Pasca’s path to fifth began with a quarterfinal loss to Maria Ivanova (Russia), the eventual bronze medalist. While Ivanova’s experience (she’d already won a silver at the 2025 World Youth Championships) proved decisive, Pasca’s performance in the repechage phase demonstrated her ability to adapt under pressure.
Her two repechage victories came against:
- Elena Petkova (Bulgaria): A tactical 3–2 win in the first repechage round, where Pasca exploited Petkova’s defensive stance with quick takedowns.
- Anastasia Volkov (Ukraine): A 4–1 win in the final repechage match, secured after Volkov’s momentum stalled in the second period.
Coaching insight: Sources close to Kumiai Judo Club describe Pasca’s training regimen as “brutally disciplined”, with a focus on grappling fundamentals and mental resilience. Her ability to recover from early setbacks aligns with this approach.
Who Stole the Show?
While Pasca’s fifth-place finish was commendable, the tournament was dominated by three athletes whose performances set the bar for future competitions:
| Rank | Athlete | Nation | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alessia Servedio | Italy | Gold medalist; defeated Ivanova in the final 5–0. |
| 2 | Maria Ivanova | Russia | Bronze medalist; 100% win rate in elimination rounds. |
| 3 | Sofia Sedicina | Italy | Bronze medalist; lost to Servedio in semifinals. |
Servedio’s gold—the first for Italy in this weight class since 2022—was particularly notable. The 14-year-old Roman wrestler became the youngest Italian to win a European Championship in wrestling since Vanessa Calvo (2018). Her victory also secured Italy’s top spot in the team standings for the championships.
What’s Next for Pasca and Kumiai?
Pasca’s fifth-place finish positions her as a dark horse contender for Italy’s 2027 European U17 Championships, where she’ll face an even deeper talent pool. Her next confirmed competition is the Italian National U15 Trials in Vercelli, Italy (June 12–14, 2026), where she’ll aim to secure a spot on the 2026 World Youth Championships team.
Key milestones ahead:
- June 2026: Kumiai Judo Club’s internal camp in Milan (focus: Olympic-style rules adaptation).
- August 2026: Potential selection for the 2026 World Youth Championships (U17) in Hungary.
- 2027: Eligibility for senior national team trials (U23 category).
Coaching perspective: “Stella’s growth is exponential,” said Maurizio Campanella, Kumiai’s head coach and 2025 European Judo bronze medalist. “Her ability to read opponents’ movements at this age is rare. If she maintains this trajectory, we’re looking at a future Olympian.”
How to Follow Italy’s Wrestling Stars
For fans eager to track Pasca’s progress, here’s where to look:
- Official updates: Federazione Italiana Judo e Lotta (FIJLKAM) (Italian language, but results are posted in English).
- Social media: Follow @JudoKumiai for training highlights and tournament recaps.
- Next live event: Italian U15 National Trials, June 12–14, 2026, PalaPiantanida, Vercelli (no public tickets; streamed via FIJLKAM’s official YouTube channel).
What do you think? Is Pasca’s fifth-place finish a sign of Italy’s wrestling renaissance, or just the beginning? Share your predictions in the comments—or tag @StellaPasca (if she has a verified account) to cheer her on.
Next up: Stay tuned for Archysport’s exclusive interview with Alessia Servedio on her gold-medal-winning strategy, coming June 2, 2026.
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