copravolley

The German women team in foil would probably have advanced to the Olympics if it weren't for Leonie Ebert's serious injury, while the men's foil is going through a huge crisis, just like the entire epee. The only real chance was the saber men team but France's progress closed the door to Paris for them. On the other hand, let us remember the absence of Russia... If it were not miss of Russia's participation in the qualifications, we would probably not have seen the Italian men's and women's saber teams in Paris. The level in the world is going up very much and it is becoming more and more difficult to compete and win medals. Once upon a time, only Europe and southern Asia mattered: Jap, Kor, Chn + USA in women's saber.

I remember the great German foil fencer: Peter Joppich, who at the beginning of the 21st century regularly defeated Italian fencers in the decisive stages of the World Championships. Olympic champion in 2008 there was also another German in the foil - Kleibrink. German women foil fencers were also dangerous rivals to Vezzali and Trillini at that time: Anja Muller, Sabine Bau etc. The German epee historical was also always strong. The only weapons where German have never been among the leaders is women's saber - the youngest competition.

Ukraine was a bit disappointed in men's epee. A few years ago this team was very strong. Fortunately, the girls in epee and saber did very well.

Berre is perfect for the team but in individual event I would choose someone else. However, while we have an excess of crops in foil and epee in women's and men's saber it is difficult to assemble the entire squad: in men's there are missing of 3 fencer for team and the girls' squad is even but there is no individuality. It looks like the women won't go to Paris - Rosella Gregorio. There are three certainties in the women's foil: Errigo, Volpi and Favaretto. The question is, who's 4 on the team? Looking at the ranking it should be Batini but Cerioni prefer Palumbo in the team more often.

What is the reason for the fencing crisis in Germany? This is probably the first time in many years that no German team will go to the Olympics. This sport is becoming less and less popular in your country, or is it because of less financial support?

Italy needs to find someone 3 to Samele and Curatoli, because Torre failed the match against the USA today. In my opinion, Berre should be in the team - he is an experienced player who has already won team silver at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Unfortunately, while our foil and epee teams look good, unfortunately our saber teams are not competitive. This was already visible at the last World Championships. The most important thing, however, is that all teams managed to advance to Paris.

The Italian women's saber team has a balanced team but unfortunately they are missing one big individual, like Kharlan, or in the past Velikaja or Zagunis. This means that Italian women never win medals in big events. If the Italians don`t advance as a team, it is 99% certain that none of them will qualify ind. through the ranking.

All it takes is for France to not give up and advance to the final. France is in the same half as the USA. Then Ukraine and Italy go to Paris. France is the best team and if they approach tomorrow's fights with 100%, they are favorites to advance to the final. Although, of course, it would be better for Ukraine to win 1/4 against the USA to be 100% sure. The Italians can even lose in the 1/8 against Greece and just watch what happens with the other teams. Btw, Kharlan has been training in Italy for several years - since she was in relationship with Luigi Samele. This was before Covid. Only after the war was started did the rest of the Ukrainian team join it and train together in Italy.

Now, it`s time to Angela Carini in 66kg. Let`s go girl! We can catch today the France with 8 QO.

Charaabi wins and go to Paris. At now it`s a perfect day for Italy: 2-0 and 2 QOT.

Diego Lenzi will fly to Paris!

In the case of a more experienced swimmer, such as Paltrinieri, I think he should choose swimming or open water, because he may end up without a medal. However, Ceccon is young and I think that 100 and 200 back can be combined. I hope he can.

We'll see. Even if it's not 2 golds, but e.g. 1 gold and 1 silver or bronze in the 200 backstroke, it will be ok. It's always better to have 2 individual chances than 1. The most important thing is to be in good shape in July and he will be getting closer to his world record from 2022. He won't be the favorite in the 200 meters but he has a chance for the podium.

I remember that Seoul 1988 was also a huge scandal. Then Roy Jones Jr. lost to the host representative in the final after the scandalous verdict.

Diego Lenzi won against the Spaniard in 92 kg. Italy will have at least 2 QO fights on Monday. Tonight I'm still counting on Carini and Charaabi to win. I think that 2 QO for Italy is realistic here.

This is where the referees don't help Italy, but I still think Mesiano is better. If the judging had been pro-Ita, Mesiano would have won today 3-2. The fight was a perfect draw.

In my opinion Mesiano and Sadiku look the best here and both will go to Paris. These are the bronze medalists of the 2022 World Championships weighing up to 60 kg. The Slovakian doesn`t have any successes under her belt. Additionally, the fight between Mesiano and Sadiku was 50/50. The Italian is a clear favorite in the match for 3rd place.

Ukrainian women in particular have been doing very poorly recently. In the old days it was the strongest nation in Europe next to Russia, and now they are losing to Poles and other European nations. Maybe they don't have money to prepare?

Tomorrow I'm hoping on three Italian wins: Mesiano, Carini and Charaabi. In general I count on the minimum 2 QOT and I hope that Messiano will get it tomorrow at the 1st time. The Italian women's team seems to be in good shape here. Unfortunately, the men are struggling badly and there is a 99% probability that they will not gain any qualifications here.

My second observation is that the Italian coaching staff should call up to the Olympics all players who obtained at least according to the FINA criteria QOT: Fangio, Restivo, Poggio, de Tullio, etc. The FINA criteria for Paris are very strict compared to, for example, Tokyo. I don't know what the federation's goal is in making them even more stringent? It is known that none of these competitors will win an individual medal and can only count on a semi-final, but it was similar in Tokyo: then the entire Italian team consisted of 38 people.