The ‘Squadra Azzurra’ arrives at the European Team Championships with a solid roster, aiming to reclaim the title they triumphantly won in 2023.
Without a doubt, the Italian team will be one of the most powerful forces at the European Team Championships, set to ignite Madrid’s Vallehermoso Stadium from June 27th to 29th. To put it simply, their roster is stacked with talent, with the notable exception of Marcell Jacobs, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic 100m champion, who is a last-minute withdrawal and will not compete in either the 100m or the 4x100m relay.
Focusing on the stars who will be there, we must highlight three medalists from the recent Paris Olympic Games. The team is led by Nadia Battocletti, who secured a silver medal in the 10,000 meters last summer and will now compete in the 5,000 meters in Madrid. Alongside her, are jumpers Mattia Furlani (long jump) and Andy Diaz (triple jump), both bronze medalists in Paris and undoubtedly the ones to beat in their respective disciplines. Italy also boasts an impressive six individual European Champions from the Rome European Championships held last summer. In addition to Battocletti and Diaz, the green tartan of Vallehermoso will welcome: Yeman Crippa (5,000 meters), Leonardo Fabbri (shot put specialist), Lorenzo Simonelli (110m hurdles), Sara Fantini (hammer throw).
As if that weren’t enough, the ‘Azzurra’ team further strengthens its ranks with long jumper Larissa Iapichino and sprinter Zaynab Dosso, both crowned Indoor European Champions this year. The Italian team is rounded out by a mix of experienced athletes, including national record holder Alessandro Sibilio, and exciting debutants like pole vaulter Matteo Oliveri (born November 2002) and triple jumper Erika Saraceni (born May 2006), the latter being among the youngest members of the team at just 19 years old. Italy is poised to lead the charge, not only due to the exceptional team they are bringing to Madrid, but also as the reigning European Team Champions. They achieved this historic first victory in Chorzów in 2023, and they’ll be eager to defend their title with brilliance.
