Italian
Italy’s karate team, thanks to the last three gold medals in the team events, which join the four individual medals, one silver, and one bronze, is the European champion
FRANKFURT (GERMANY) – A dream Italy. As many as 9 medals, including 7 gold. A result already written before even competing in the team finals. It is a triumph for the National karate team at the European Championships in Frankfurt. After the incredible feats of the individual athletes who won four golds, one silver, and one bronze, it is time for the team events.
With both kata teams already in the finals along with the men’s kumite team, it is already certain that they have won the medal table. But this Italy is not satisfied and goes on to win all three events.
It is a blue apotheosis with three out of four titles in team competitions. An abyssal distance from the other Nations, with Turkey and Croatia both in second place with 2 golds and 6 total medals.
The statements
These are the words of the DTN Luca Valdesi: “Now we can say it: this is history. Beaten, indeed shattered, the record for gold medals at the Europeans… We have gone from four golds in the best editions to 7 this year.”
The comment from the president Davide Benetello: “We have broken all records. We are extremely satisfied, both myself and the entire Federal Council of the karate sector. It is a result that will go down in history.”
Team Golds
The first final of the day is that of the men’s kata team. Mattia Busato, Gianluca Gallo, and Alessandro Iodice performed Unsu, also exciting with the bunkai. Their opponent is Turkey, which presents the same program but does not produce the same effect. The judges declare a clear 6-1.
Thus arrives the first gold of the day, 14 years after the last time when on the tatami competed Luca Valdesi, today the national team’s head coach.
It was then the turn of the women’s team, ready to face Portugal. A team already well accustomed to the top ranks, having won gold in 2023, followed by silver in 2024 and bronze last year.
The Lusitanians start with Nipaipo, but Carola Casale, Michela Rizzo, and Elena Roversi dominate with Ohan, achieving a more than decisive 7-0 victory.
The last to compete is the men’s kumite team against Turkey. The first match is won by the fresh European champion Matteo Avanzini against Eren Akkurt. Michele Martina doubles the score by winning decisively against Omer Yurur. The third and decisive match sees Daniele De Vivo face Kadir Genc. The contest is balanced until the last moment when the blue athlete, with 6 seconds left, lands a punch followed by a kick.
Thus comes the third consecutive victory for the Italian men’s kumite team, now a certainty in the international scene.
The blue medals at the 2026 Senior Karate European Championships in Frankfurt
Participants: Clio Ferracuti (+68 kg), Matteo Avanzini (+84 kg), Luca Maresca (67 kg), Terryana D’Onofrio (individual kata), Men’s kata team, Women’s kata team, Men’s kumite team.
Silver: Alessio Ghinami (individual kata).
Bronze: Erminia Perfetto (50 kg).
Photo Credits: Fijlkam.it
