Italy has claimed its second consecutive European Athletics Team Championship title, confirming its dominance on the continental stage. Since the introduction of the competition's new national team format in 2009, only Germany and Poland had previously managed to win back-to-back titles. Now, Italy joins that elite group, building on the momentum from its Tokyo 2020 Olympic success.

Despite the absence of Olympic champions Marcell Jacobs and Gianmarco Tamberi, as well as triple jump bronze medalist Andy Diaz, the Italian team delivered a powerful all-around performance in Madrid’s Vallehermoso Stadium. A mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars led the Azzurri to victory, with standout performances from Nadia Battocletti, Larissa Iapichino, and Leonardo Fabbri.

Iapichino sealed the title with a dramatic long jump win. After a slow start, she soared 6.92 meters on her fifth attempt, surpassing German star Malaika Mihambo’s 6.84. The win also matched the legacy of her mother, Fiona May, who won three titles in the 1990s. Fabbri dominated the shot put, throwing 21.68 meters on his final attempt, while Battocletti claimed gold in the 5000 meters.

Overall, Italy earned 431.5 points, outpacing Poland (405.5) and Germany (397). The Netherlands, despite seven individual wins, finished fourth after several underperformances and injuries.

In total, Italy secured three individual victories over the four-day competition. Other strong results included silver medals for Fausto Desalu in the 200 meters (20.18 seconds) and the mixed 4x400 relay team, as well as solid top-five finishes in various events. Paola Padovan placed fourth in the women’s javelin with a 57.91-meter throw, while Yeman Crippa took fifth in the men’s 5000 meters. Idea Pieroni also impressed with a fourth-place finish in the high jump (1.91 meters).

Italy’s team depth and consistency proved decisive, especially on the final day. While countries like the Netherlands faltered due to errors and bad luck, Italy stayed focused and delivered when it counted most.

With this latest success, Italy reaffirms its status as a powerhouse in European athletics, winning the continent’s top team competition just two years after its triumph in Chorzów. The victory in Madrid celebrates not only the country’s elite talent but also a new generation of athletes ready to carry the legacy forward.