Seventeen years later Italy returns to the throne of Europe in women’s swordsmanship. In 2007 in Gent it was Cristiana Cascioli, Bianca Del Carretto, Nathalie Moellhausen and Francesca Boscarelli who climbed to the top step of the podium, this time in 2024 it is Alberta Santuccio, Rossella Fiamingo, Giulia Rizzi and Mara Navarria who put a wonderful medal around their necks ‘gold.
Just like then in the final Italy found itself facing Hungary. The Italians did very well, prevailing with a score of 38-31 at the end of a match that was only decided in the last bout. Great balance throughout the final, with Fiamingo and Santuccio leading Rizzi to take the lead at 27-25. The Friulian was perfect against Muhari and dominated her attack, finishing at +7.
The Italians’ journey began in the quarter-finals with a peremptory 45-15 win against Israel. Subsequently the super challenge against the strong France. A very tight semi-final and which was only decided in the last match between Santuccio and Mallo Breton by 32-31. The French team then consoled themselves by winning bronze in the final against Poland, beaten by just one hit (33-32).
A heavy and important gold medal for the blue swordsmenwhich are approaching the Paris 2024 Olympics in the best possible way. On French soil, Italy will certainly be among the nations aiming for the title, but even individually Santuccio, Fiamingo and Rizzi (Navarria will only compete in the team competition) need not fear any opponent.
