FIJLKAM Judo 2026 Preview: Italy’s National Championships Unpacked – Athletes, Tactics & Olympic Implications
Turin’s Centro Tecnico Federale (CTF) will host Italy’s most anticipated judo event of the year this weekend, as the FIJLKAM National Championships (June 6–8, 2026) crown the country’s elite ahead of the 2028 Paris Olympics. With Olympic qualification spots on the line and a new generation of Italian judoka rising, the tournament isn’t just about titles—it’s a litmus test for Italy’s ability to reclaim its former dominance in the sport.
Here’s what you need to know: the key athletes, tactical battles to watch and how this event could reshape Italy’s Olympic campaign.
Why This Tournament Matters
The FIJLKAM National Championships, organized by the Italian Judo Federation (FIJLKAM), serves as Italy’s final qualifying trial before the 2028 Paris Olympics. While Italy hasn’t won a judo gold medal since 2008 (Wang Ki-Chun), the federation has invested heavily in youth development, and this year’s event features a mix of veterans and breakout stars.
Key dates:
- June 6–8, 2026 – Championships at Centro Tecnico Federale (CTF) in Cavagnolo, Turin (UTC+2, local time 10:00 AM–8:00 PM).
- Sponsors: Fastweb, adidas, Acqua Lete (official partners).
- Format: Single-elimination across 14 weight classes (7 men’s, 7 women’s), with bronze medal matches.
For global readers: Turin, Italy’s second-largest city, sits in the northwestern Piedmont region, known for its alpine climate. While summer temperatures average 25°C (77°F), the CTF’s indoor facilities ensure dry conditions—critical for judo’s grip-dependent nature.
Who to Watch: Italy’s Olympic Hopefuls
Italy’s judo program has faced challenges in recent years, but these athletes are leading the charge for Paris:
Matteo Marconcini (-60kg)
Why he’s dangerous: A two-time European medalist, Marconcini’s uchi-mata (inner thigh throw) has stumped opponents at the highest level. His 2023 silver at the Europeans suggests he’s peaking just in time for Paris.
Watch for: How he handles the Italian -60kg depth chart, where IJF rankings show him as the sole top-10 European. A win here could secure his Olympic spot.
Alice Bellandi (-57kg)
Why she’s dangerous: Bellandi, 24, is Italy’s most consistent female judoka, with a 2025 World Cup gold under her belt. Her seoi-nage (lifting throw) is nearly unstoppable when she dictates pace.
Watch for: Her rivalry with Irene Trippella (-57kg), who’s risen to World No. 12. A Bellandi-Trippella semifinal would be a statement on Italy’s women’s program.
Valerio Bertini (-100kg)
Why he’s dangerous: The 30-year-old veteran is Italy’s last hope in the heavyweight division, where the country has struggled since Nino Schurter’s retirement. Bertini’s harai-goshi (sweeping hip throw) remains a weapon, but his stamina is a question mark.
Watch for: Can he avoid the Italian -100kg crisis? With no other Italian in the top 30, a podium here could force FIJLKAM to fast-track his Olympic funding.
Context: Italy’s judo program has historically excelled in the -66kg and -73kg divisions, but recent years have seen a shift toward lighter weights. The 2026 championships will reveal whether this strategy is paying off.
Tactical Keys: What Makes This Tournament Unique
Italian judo has long been defined by technical precision over brute force, but recent trends show a shift toward ne-waza (groundwork) dominance. Here’s what to watch:
| Weight Class | Italian Strength | Potential Weakness | Tactical Wildcard |
|---|---|---|---|
| -60kg | Marconcini’s uchi-mata speed | Lack of depth (no backup in top 15) | Younger rivals using kumi-kata (grip control) |
| -73kg | Traditional seoi-nage line | Injury to Luca Alessandri (missed 2025 season) | Rise of Lorenzo Bagnoli’s harai-goshi |
| -52kg | None (Italy’s weakest division) | No Olympic quota spot | Opportunity for Chiara Di Benedetto to break in |
Rule note: The IJF’s 2026 rule changes include stricter shido (warning) enforcement for excessive gripping. Italian judoka, known for their kumi-kata, may need to adapt.
From Glory to Gaps: Italy’s Judo Journey
Italy’s judo program peaked in the 2000s, with Wang Ki-Chun (2008 Olympic gold) and Luca Valiandro (2012 silver) leading the way. But since 2016, Italy has won zero Olympic medals in judo, a stark contrast to its 11 total medals from 1992–2012.
- 2016: Italy’s first no medal in Rio, sparking a federal overhaul.
- 2019: FIJLKAM launched the “Judo Academy” program, focusing on youth development.
- 2023: Matteo Marconcini won Europe’s first medal in 7 years (silver at Yerevan).
- 2026: Paris Olympics qualification hinges on this tournament.
Fan perspective: Italian judo fans, many of whom grew up on Wang’s dominance, are divided. Some blame lack of funding. others point to tactical stagnation. The 2026 championships could be the turning point.
After Turin: The Road to Paris
The FIJLKAM championships are just the first step. Here’s the Olympic qualification timeline:
How to watch:
- Live stream: FIJLKAM’s official page (Italian only; English subtitles pending).
- Social: Follow @fijlkam for updates.
- Venue: Centro Tecnico Federale (CTF), Turin (open to international media with accreditation).
3 Things to Remember
- Olympic stakes: Italy’s last medal was in 2008. This tournament could decide who competes in Paris.
- Tactical shift: Italian judoka are adapting to ne-waza (groundwork), but veterans like Bertini may struggle.
- Youth movement: Athletes like Alice Bellandi and Lorenzo Bagnoli could redefine Italy’s future.
The FIJLKAM National Championships begin June 6 at 10:00 AM UTC+2 (8:00 AM UTC). Will Italy’s judo renaissance start here? Share your predictions in the comments—and stay tuned to Archysport’s Judo Hub for live updates.
Next checkpoint: World Cup Series (July 2026), where Italy’s top judoka will face global competition.
