In the build up to the European Athletics Team Championships, we are taking a closer look at some of the nations competing. First up, we look at Italy, who will be seeking to defend their Division 1 title in Madrid on 27-29 June.
Following on from their historic victory in Silesia 2023- totalling a score of 426.5 points and seven individual gold medals-the Azzurri showed the world they were no longer hot contenders but the benchmark for team athletics.
Then back on home territory, the ebullient Italians were the dominant force at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships, winning a record-breaking 24 medals, including 11 gold. As the battle draws closer in the Spanish capital, the question on everyone's lips is: “Can anyone stop Italy again?
Flashback to 2023
During the 2023 European Athletics Team Championships, Italy executed a flawless plan and delivered one of the most complete team performances in the competition's history.
This performance drove Italy to their first ever title. This was not the consequence of a single year, the Azzurri had been bounding from strength to strength, including winning five gold medals at the Tokyo Olympic Games and the culmination of created the greatest moment in Italian team athletics history.
Italy’s seven gold medals came across a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting the team’s all-round strength. Captain Gianmarco Tamberi led by example with victory in the high jump, Samuele Ceccarelli powered to gold in the 100m, and Elena Bellò produced a tactically astute run to win the women’s 800m.
In the exciting mixed 4x400m relay, Italy closed out the championships in style, with the quartet clocking a season’s best to claim the bronze medal — finishing behind Poland and France — and eventually sealing the team title for the first time in their history.
Silesia 2023 proved a breakthrough moment for a nation traditionally strong in individual events and highlighted the success of the long-term development plan set out by the Italian federation.
Track record
Italy's progression within the European Athletics Team Championships has been far from straightforward. From the brink of relegation to dominant title winners, it has been a fascinating journey to the pinnacle for the Azzurri.
- Gateshead 2013, Great Britain (10th Place)
In the rain-soaked conditions, Italy fell to a catastrophic tenth place, their lowest finish since the competition's inception in 2009. They managed just three medals, with no golds — a stark indicator of their struggles. The only medals came from seasoned pole vaulter Giuseppe Gibilisco (2nd, men’s pole vault), Alessia Trost (2nd, women’s high jump) who was just breaking into senior competition at the time and Simona La Mantia (3rd, women’s triple jump). This performance served as a wakeup call for the Azzurri and began their journey of long-term development.
- Bydgoszcz 2019, Poland (5th place)
Six years later, the Azzurri returned with a new influx of talent including future Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs (2nd, men’s 100m) and future European champion Yemaneberhan Crippa (1st, men’s 5000m) signalling the shift. Italy's climb to fifth place marked their highest finish to date within the competition a remarkable turning point and snapshot of what was yet to come.
- Silesia 2021, Poland (2nd place)
Back in Poland again, the Azzurri reached a major milestone, finishing second overall — their first-ever podium in European Athletics Team Championships history.
There was a 5000m double from rising distance prospects Cripp and Nadia Battocletti to help drive Italy to their first ever podium finish. Poland came out on top in this instance and closely took the top spot via a narrow margin of 2.5 points.
This did not deter the Azzurri and now having come within touching distance of glory, they returned to Silesia in 2023 with and clear plan and that plan was executed to perfection.
Key Athletes
As Italy prepare to defend their title in Madrid, here are some of the standout athletes to keep your eye on when watching the championships. (subject to selection)
- Gianmarco Tamberi - men's high jump
Captain fantastic, Italy's very own Olympic, world and European high jump gold medallist continues to shine for Italian athletics and is expected to captain the team in Madrid. He revels in the spotlight, as illustrated by his championship best performance in winning gold at Roma 2024. Tamberi is a talismanic figure and if he can claim maximum points in the men's high jump, it can inspire the whole team to greater heights.
- Nadia Battocletti- women’s 5000m
Europe’s current distance queen, Battocletti is one of Italy’s most reliable performers. European champion on track, road and cross country, as well as Olympic 10,000m silver medallist, she is expected to play a pivotal role to the Azzurri’s shot at glory.
- Larissa Iapichino- women’s long jump
Following in the footsteps of her mother- twice world champion Fiona May- Iapichino is carving out her own legacy. Recently claiming her first senior international title in Apeldoorn 2025 with 6.94m, Iapichino looks to continue this form into the outdoor season and aims for maximum points in Madrid.
- Leonardo Fabbri- men’s shot put
Leonardo Fabbri enters Madrid as a powerhouse in the men’s shot put and one of the Azzurri’s most reliable scorers. The reigning European champion, Fabbri thrilled the home crowd in Rome with a dominant victory and a throw of 22.45m. A strong outdoor competitor who has struggled earlier this year in competition looks set to turn it around in Madrid.
- Mattia Furlani – men’s long jump
At just 20-years-old, Furlani has rapidly ascended the ranks of international athletics, following silver at Roma 2024 and bronze at the Paris Olympics. Furlani continued his medal streak indoors, winning silver at the Apeldoorn 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships and then a staggering 8.30m in Nanjing to become the world indoor champion.
Tom Hanson for European Athletics