Gennaro Pirelli reaches number one in men’s -100kg judo rankings

Baku World Championships Approach Following Budapest Success

The International Judo Federation updated its world ranking list following the Grand Slam in Budapest, setting the stage for the World Championships scheduled to run from October 4 to October 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Pirelli enters the international showcase on a run of 18 consecutive victories across four consecutive tournament titles. At 26 years old, the Neapolitan athlete has transformed his competitive trajectory, positioning himself as a primary contender in his weight class not only for the upcoming global championships but also with an eye toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Italian Squad Positions in Global Rankings

Beyond Pirelli’s ascent to the top of the -100kg division, the broader Italian national team boasts several athletes inside the global top 10. In the men’s -73kg category, Giovanni Esposito holds the tenth position, a placement that could guarantee him a seeded status for the tournament draw in Baku. In the women’s competition, Odette Giuffrida climbed two spots to reach second place in the -52kg division. Giuffrida’s path through the upcoming World Championships could present a challenging bout as early as the quarterfinals against Japan’s Uta Abe, who currently sits seventh in the ranking.

Top-Ten Placements Across Women’s Divisions

Three additional Italian competitors hold positions inside the top ten of their respective weight classes ahead of the Baku tournament. Asya Tavano occupies the sixth position in the heavyweight division. Alice Bellandi stands eighth in the -78kg category despite limited competition appearances throughout the season. Giorgia Stangherlin rounds out the group in tenth place for the -70kg division. The latest ranking figures underline a competitive roster for the Italian team as athletes complete their final preparations for the global championships.