Second Day of the Sette Colli: Spectacular Races at the Foro Italico

The second day of finals at the Trofeo Sette Colli IP kicks off at 6:00 PM, with the Monte Mario stands packed with enthusiastic fans ready to cheer on their champions. The spectacle is guaranteed with the numerous thrilling races we have lined up today. In the water, we'll see Olympic champions, world champions, and European champions—top-level athletes seeking the right sensations ahead of the most important event: the Olympic Games.

Attending the races and presenting the awards was also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani.

With roaring crowds and a vibrant atmosphere, we are set for an evening of outstanding swimming, where every race could deliver unforgettable moments and record-breaking performances. The elite of international swimming will compete fiercely, promising excitement and suspense until the very last stroke. All that remains is for us to enjoy the show and cheer on our champions in this prestigious setting.

Clik here for the results.

Sette Colli: Heats Day 2 Summary

Second morning of competition at Foro Italico Pool. The atmosphere was electric as athletes dove into the water for the morning heats, each one vying for a coveted spot in this afternoon’s finals.

The day kicked off with the women's 100m butterfly heats. Japan’s Rikako Ikee, who made headlines as a young prodigy before a prolonged illness halted her career, posted the fastest time of 58.03. She was closely followed by Sweden’s Louise Hansson, clocking 58.30, fresh off a personal best in the 50m the previous day. Italy’s Costanza Cocconcelli secured third with 59.00. Notably, double Olympic medley champion Yui Ohashi and Canadian standout Mary-Sophie Harvey missed out on the final.

In the men's 200m butterfly, Tokyo 2021 Olympic bronze medalist Federico Burdisso topped the penultimate qualifying heat with a time of 1:57.39. He will face a formidable challenge in the final from compatriot Giacomo Carini, who recorded the second-fastest overall time of 1:57.99 after an impressive performance in the B final of the 100m butterfly. Brazilian swimmer Nicolas Albiero posted the third fastest qualifying time with 1:58.24, while world medallist Alberto Razzetti wasn’t far behind, finishing fourth in 1:59.28.

Dutch champion Kira Toussaint led the women’s 100m backstroke with a time of 1:00.73, followed closely by compatriot Maaike de Waard, a specialist in both backstroke and butterfly sprints, with 1:00.91. Great Britain's Kathleen Dawson, an Olympic champion in the mixed medley relay, secured third with 1:01.80.

In the men's 50m backstroke, Michele Lamberti continued his impressive form, leading the heats with a personal best of 24.83. Brazilian Guilherme Basseto finished second, winning his heat in 25.12, and Japan’s Katsuhiro Matsuyama claimed third with 25.23.

World champion Freya Colbert topped the women’s 400m individual medley heats with a time of 4:41.00, following her bronze in the 200m freestyle the previous day. The second-best time came from the “Iron Lady” and new mother, Katinka Hosszu, who finished in 4:42.97. Another British swimmer, Katie Shanahan, rounded out the top three with 4:43.29.

In the men’s 400m individual medley, Doha World silver medallist Max Litchfield recorded the fastest time of the morning with 4:15.47. Japanese swimming star Daiya Seto, a three-time world champion and Rio 2016 bronze medallist in this event, followed with 4:16.62. Italy’s Pier Andrea Matteazzi finished third, clocking 4:17.46.

The women's 100m freestyle final promises to be thrilling, headlined by world record holder Sarah Sjostrom, who posted the fastest qualifying time of 53.41. She will be joined in the final by reigning Olympic silver medallist Siobhan Haughey, who recorded 53.93. Both swimmers secured victories in their respective events yesterday, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. Great Britain’s Anna Hopkin, an Olympic champion in the mixed medley relay, qualified third with 53.95 and will also be a strong contender.

The men’s 100m freestyle final is set to be a nail-biter, with the top eight finalists separated by just 0.52 seconds. Leading the pack is Great Britain’s Matthew Richards, the 2023 world champion in the 200m freestyle, with 48.73. Brazilian sprint ace Bruno Santos is close behind in 48.79. Italy’s Alessandro Miressi, silver medallist in this event at the recent Doha Worlds, and British multi-Olympic medallist Duncan Scott both posted 48.90, tying for third.

Italian swimmers dominated the women’s 50m breaststroke heats. Benedetta Pilato led the field with another sub-30 second performance, clocking 29.99. Lisa Angiolini, silver medallist in the 100m breaststroke at the European Championships in this pool two years ago, followed in 30.58. Arianna Castiglioni, a multiple European medallist, secured third with 30.69, while reigning champion Ruta Meilutytė failed to advance.

In the men’s 50m breaststroke, Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi led the heats with a time of 26.56. He aims to repeat his gold medal performance from yesterday. Ludovico Blu Art Viberti finished second in 26.87, seeking another strong performance following his excellent result on Friday. Simone Cerasuolo, a world bronze medallist in this event in short course, qualified third with 26.94. World record holder and Olympic champion Adam Peaty secured the fifth spot with 27.14 and will be a key contender in the final.

Click here for the results

Sette Colli. Flash quotes day 1

Shown below the podium and flash quotes of the second day of the 60th edition of Sette Colli / International Swimming Trophy, taking place at the Swimming Stadium in Rome.

100 backstroke M

1 - Ceccon Thomas

"I pushed and gave everything I had at this moment, I did not arrive here well-prepared, especially in the turns. I still don't know which other races I will do at Settecolli, and I want to decide calmly. What mattered to me was to see if I am still competitive, after an autumn where I started well but then had some injuries."

2 - Lamberti Michele

"The sensations were good; I knew I could have a good race. Maybe I pushed a little too hard at the beginning of the first 50 meters. I tried to keep going but paid for it a bit at the end. There's still some room for improvement. Now I hope that this time will be good enough for the Olympics."

3 - Bacico Christian

"I swam better than this morning, I made a mistake, a turn that was too wide which affected the result a bit, but I am satisfied."

50 backstroke W

1 - Lauren Cox

"I feel very good and I am happy about the victory. It's always difficult to swim outdoors without references. I really like Rome, it's the third time I've been here, I love this pool and the audience".

2 - Maaike de Waard

"The pool is fantastic, I had pretty good feelings. I hoped I swam a bit faster, but I’m happy with my time. I will compete in the 100 back as well and I am very focused on my next Olympics. The training is going well."

3 - Louise Hansson

"I’m very happy about that because it’s a PB so definitely went good. It’s not an Olympic distance but as a backstroke and butterfly sprinter I feel so confident for the 100 backstroke which I’m going to swim at the Olympics, and it’s a distance I’ve never done in any world or olympics championships. It’s a good test also for the 100 butterfly that I’m going to swim tomorrow."

400 freestyle M

1 - Costa Guilherme
“I'm very good. It's my second best time in this year. I'm very happy for this.”

2 - Henveaux Lucas

“I feel very good. This morning, It was really hard for me to swim the second part of the race, at the end I was tired and tonight was a training session to prepare for the Olympics. It was really hard at the end, but I am very happy with the time. It's such a great meet, and this was my second-best time.”

3 - Oliveira De Moraes Eduar

“Despite the result I am very happy given my Brazil's qualification for the Olympics, unfortunately I used a horrible strategy by going too fast at the start which made me exhaust myself and struggled to reach the end, but I am happy to represent my country at the Olympics”.

200 freestyle W

1 - Siobhan Haughey
This is my last event before the Olympics, the training now is very hard but I hope I will do a bit less then now. Rome is amazing, this is a fast pool, so it’s always funny to race here.

2 - Freya Colbert

"I could have swum a little faster, but I am satisfied; I had a good feeling in the water. Swimming in Rome is always exciting. I love this pool, and the audience is magnificent.".

3 - Mary Sophie Harvey

"I’m very pleased with the time because it’s my second best time this year and we’re on a very hard training because this was just a step before heading to the Olympics. I’m staying in Europe for a training camp (in Spain) which is the last block of hard training before going to Paris and joining the rest of team Canada."

100 breaststroke M

1 - Martinenghi Nicolò

“Well today I wanted to get to the front also to make the public happy, I've never competed so close to them, I felt good even if I wasn't at 100%, the time is good, I wanted to do under 59 so I'm satisfied”

2 - Corbeau Casper

“I felt pretty good. This is going to be my last competition before Paris, so using it as a tune-up or try to get in the mood of racing and executing the race well. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it.”

3 - Viberti Ludovico 

“It was a crazy race, an emotion to compete against Peaty, Martinenghi, the Dutch, I couldn't wait to compete, I enjoyed it, the goal was to get ahead of the others and somehow I did it”

100 butterfly M

1 - Korstanje Nyls

“I felt very good except for the last 5 meters, at the end it really hurts but at the end is always a trining”

2 - Valsecchi Edoardo

“I’m sad, I’ll make up for it in the next race”

3 - Sansone Gianmarco 

"There was a bit of anxiety given the pressure of going to the Olympics which certainly influenced the time, but there was the home crowd who motivated me a lot thanks to their support, we continue to work day after day to reach the goals our goals"

100 breaststroke W

1 - Benedetta Pilato

"I’ve been working to beat this record for a long time, it was only missing a little each time, but I’m really confident this time finally arrived. I have many dreams for this summer, which obviously are the Olympic Games but also my university studies."

2 - Angharad Evans

"It was a good race and I feel very well. I am preparing my best for the Olympics. Being in Rome is really wonderful, I hope to come back soon."

3 - Martina Carraro
"It’s a special race. This will be my last 100 breaststroke, and I am happy ad glad I swam it here, I have wonderful memories in this pool. I am happy to share the podium with Benedetta and to have seen her finally get the Italian record! See you on Sunday for the 200 breaststroke. 

50 butterfly W

1 - Sarah Sjostrom
I’m satisfied and hopeful for next events. Even though they are not the Olympic Games I’m working hard on everything, this is my distance and it is getting me ready for the 50 freestyle. It’s amazing to be here because I feel a lot Italian audience and that’s really important for me.

2 - Ikee Rikako

I felt really bad because the water in this pool is colder than the swimming pools in Japan, despite that I’m very happy about the time I swam tonight. I wanted to go under 25.5 but I needed to relax me more in view of the Olympics. I’m going to Nanterre in 10 days, then for the last part of preparation in view for the Olympics I’m going to Amiens. I’ve never been to Italy before, this is my first time at 7hills and I really love with the atmosphere, even if today the temperature are very high.

3 - Viola Scotto di Carlo

"The race went really well; I already had good feelings this morning. I was coming off a not-so-easy period due to mononucleosis. I am very happy to have recorded my personal best. Competing alongside Sjöström is always motivating. I will never get used to the effect of this audience; swimming here is always fantastic."

50 freestyle M

1 - Proud Benjamin

“You know, coming to Rome every year to race in Settecolli is a very good part of our preparation, and yeah, it was great to do a good race, and Leonardo really tied to my heels, so it was a good preparation, good meet, good race, yeah, beautiful crowd”

2 - Deplano Leonardo

"Very positive feelings despite the fact that I didn't arrive at these competition very prepared, but I had positive feelings beyond the not optimal physical conditions, I didn't expect it at all my goal was to go below 22.0 maybe 21 high and in the end this is one of my best times ever, I had a lot of fun especially racing with Benjamin Proud.

3 - Santos Carib

“I felt very good in the water, i was so excited to be here in rome because was my first time here, everyone was great”

1500 freestyle W

1 - Simona Quadarella

"I am very happy, this is an important motivation towards the Olympics. I am not yet at my peak form, but this is an added value because I felt good in the water. I felt a bit heavy on my shoulders due to the training load".

2 - Isabel Gose

I’m very happy with the time because I’m really tired we arrived today from the training camp, but it’s a PB so I’m very happy with that.

3 - Leonie Marteens
It was a hard race, especially in the second part, but I am happy with my time. I’v just been in Sierra Nevada for the altitude training and we arrived with the team yesterday in Roma. I will compete also in the 800 before leaving Italy.

Click here for the results

Sette Colli: Finals of the First Day. A Parade of Champions

The early afternoon finals of the sixtieth Settecolli Trophy IP took place today at the stunning Foro Italico swimming pool, showcasing remarkable performances by some of the world’s top swimmers.
The finals alternated between the B finals, featuring athletes who placed ninth to sixteenth in this morning's heats, and the A finals, reserved for the top eight times of the morning. The session concluded with the first series of the women's 1500 freestyle, featuring the swimmers with the top ten entry times.
Here’s a recap of the races:

Men's 100m Backstroke: Thomas Ceccon started strong, leading at the first turn, followed closely by Matteo Lamberti. In the second 50 meters, the world champion stretched out his lead, winning the race with a time of 52.43, his second-best performance of the season and a new championship record. An all-Italian podium was completed by Matteo Lamberti in second place with a personal best of 53.35 and the young Alessandro Bacico in third (54.05).

Women's 50m Backstroke: The women's backstroke sprint saw the bronze medalist from the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, Lauren Cox, clinch victory with a time of 28.01. The English swimmer edged out Dutch Maaike de Waard (28.04) at the finish, who had won bronze here at the European Championships two years ago. Third place went to Sweden's Sophie Hansson (28.05).

Men's 400m Freestyle: Belgian swimmer Henveaux, 23, took an early lead, reaching the halfway mark with nearly a two-second advantage over the nearest competitor and maintaining this lead through the 300 meters. However, in the final stretch, Brazilian swimmers Fernando Oliveira De Moraes and João Costa surged forward, with Costa ultimately winning the race with a time of 3:45.33. Henveaux followed in 3:45.81, and Oliveira De Moraes completed the podium with a time of 3:46.29.

Women's 200m Freestyle: The Tokyo 2021 Olympic silver medalist Siobhan Haughey took the lead before the 100-meter mark and held it to the finish, clocking in at 1:55.35. Canadian Mary-Sophie Harvey finished second with a time of 1:56.36, while 20-year-old Briton Freya Colbert touched third in 1:56.58.

Men's 100m Breaststroke: Italian champion Nicolò Martinenghi led at the halfway point, withstanding challenges from his competitors to finish first in 58.90. In second place, Dutch swimmer Corbeau, the silver medalist in the 200m breaststroke at the recent World Championships in Doha, finished with a time of 59.23. Third place went to Italian Viberti with a personal best of 59.27. The crowd gave a rousing applause to super champion Adam Peaty, who finished off the podium with a time of 59.51.

Women's 100m Breaststroke: In the women's 100m breaststroke, fast starter Benedetta Pilato led by over half a second at the halfway mark. British swimmer Imogen Clark seemed to close the gap but not enough to win. Pilato finished in 1:05.44, the fifth-fastest time in the world this season and a new Italian record. Clark took second place, breaking the 1:06 barrier with 1:05.91. The bronze medal went to 2019 World Championships bronze medalist Martina Carraro, who announced this would be her final 100m breaststroke race, concluding a magnificent career.

Men's 100m Butterfly: The 100m butterfly was dominated by Dutch swimmer Nyls Korstanje, a crucial member of the Dutch relay teams, who set a blistering pace to win in 50.90 his season best, over a second faster than his closest rivals. Italy's Edoardo Valsecchi secured second place with a personal best of 52.01, and Gianmarco Sansone took the bronze medal in 52.22. A special mention goes to Giacomo Carini, who won the B final in 52.00, although it was not eligible for medals.

Women's 50m Butterfly: Sarah Sjöström delivered a stunning performance in the 50m butterfly, smashing the Settecolli record with a time of 24.73, reaffirming her dominance in this event. Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee finished second in 25.63, and Italy's Viola Scotto Di Carlo claimed third place with a personal best of 25.89.

Men's 50m Freestyle: The sprint event is the domain of Ben Proud, a multi-time world medalist in this distance, who touched first in 21.62. Italian Leonardo Deplano, a double world silver medalist in the relay, finished second in 21.76, and the bronze went to Brazilian swimmer Bruno Fratus with a time of 21.97.

Women's 1500m Freestyle: The evening concluded with the longest race on the swimming program: the women's 1500m freestyle, featuring the hometown favorite, Roman swimmer Simona Quadarella.

Click here for the complete results

Chapter One of the Sette Colli 2024

The Settecolli competition is crucial, serving as the last test before the Paris Olympics and the final chance for athletes aiming to secure a spot on the national team.
Renowned for its high level of competition, this year's event is no exception, with the morning heats already showcasing the fierce determination of the swimmers.

The event kicked off with the men's 100m backstroke heats, featuring world record holder and 2023 world champion Thomas Ceccon , who smoothly advanced to the finals with the second-fastest time with the time of 54.41. Michele Lamberti secured the top spot with 54.17, while young talent Bacico, born in 2005, claimed third (54.74).

Next were the women's 50m backstroke heats, headlined by European record holder Kira Toussaint (28.32). However, she was edged out by her compatriot De Waard (28.26), who won bronze in this pool at the 2022 European Championships in Rome. Also close were Sweden's Hansson (28.34) and the British duo Dawson (28.37) and Cox (28.40).

In the men's 400m freestyle, Daniel Wiffen, the world champion in the longer distances, led the heats with the time of 3:48.42. He was closely followed by five other swimmers within half a second, including Brazilians Costa (3:48.46) and Oliveira de Moraes (3:48.83), and Italians Lamberti (3:48.78) and De Tullio (3:48.88).

Short-course world record holder Siobhan Haughey qualified third in the women's 200m freestyle (1:58.25), behind Mary-Sophie Harvey (1:57.54), a world relay medalist from Canada, and Britain's Colbert (1:58.12). Except for Harvey, who has a half-second lead, the other finalists are separated by less than a second.

The anticipated showdown in the men's 100m breaststroke did not disappoint, with Olympic champion Peaty (59.54), runner-up Kamminga (59.75), and Tokyo 2021 bronze medalist Martinenghi (59.73)all advancing, with the second, sixth, and fifth fastest times respectively. Italy's Ludovico Blu Art Viberti, aiming for an Olympic berth, posted the fastest qualifying time: 59.48.

In the women's 100m breaststroke, with Lithuanian champion Ruta Meilutytē absent, all eyes were on world champion Benny Pilato (1:06.32). Following her in the qualifications were Britain's Evans (1:06.92), Italy's Carraro (2019 world bronze medalist) with 1:07.02, and Dutch specialist Schouten.

The men's 100m butterfly final will feature 10 swimmers due to a three-way tie for the eighth spot. Leading after the heats is Dutch multi-medalist Korstanje (51.14), followed by Ireland's McCusker (52.38) and Italy's Valsecchi (52.39).

The women's 50m butterfly heats highlighted Sarah Sjostrom's dominance. The world record holder and reigning world champion topped the heats with the time of 25.22, followed by Japan's inspirational champion Ikee (25.54) and Italy's Scotto di Carlo (26.09).

The highly anticipated men's 50m freestyle final promises excitement, with all eight finalists within three-tenths of a second. Leading the pack is two-time world champion Benjamin Proud of England, the only swimmer to go sub-22 seconds with the time of 21.93. He is followed by Dutch swimmer Tjon A Joe (22.13) and Italy's Olympic relay silver medalist Zazzerri (22.15).

Click here for the results

Press conference: insights from Authorities and Athletes

Happy Birthday Settecolli! The world’s oldest swimming trophy renews itself every year, showcasing top Italian and international champions. The 60th edition of the Settecolli IP - International Swimming Trophy is eagerly anticipated from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23 at the Stadio del Nuoto, known as "the most beautiful pool in the world." Approximately 1,000 athletes from 52 nations will compete.

Italy will participate with its full National Team for the last test before the Paris 2024 Games. The Settebello, the world's vice-champions, will play against France on Friday evening, with the hosts preparing for their Olympic challenge.

From the Conference Room at the Foro Italico Pools in Rome, the president of the Italian Swimming Federation, Paolo Barelli, officially presented the event alongside the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi; the Director General of the ICE Agency - Italian Trade & Investment Agency for the "Sport and Promotion of Made in Italy" project, Lorenzo Galanti; the Councillor for Major Events, Sports, Tourism and Fashion of Rome Capital, Alessandro Onorato; the Technical Director of the Italian national team, Cesare Butini; the head coach of the national water polo team, Sandro Campagna, accompanied by captain Francesco Di Fulvio and goalkeeper Marco Del Lungo; and champions Gregorio Paltrinieri, Simona Quadarella, Sarah Sjöström, and Daniel Wiffen. Also present were the President of the Italian Paralympic Federation, Roberto Valori, with Alessia Scortechini, Paralympic champion with the 4x100 freestyle relay and world and European champion; Daniele Longo, Marketing & Innovation Director of IP - Gruppo Api, the event's title sponsor. The president of Sport and Health, Marco Mezzaroma, and CEO Diego Nepi Molineris, supported the national football team in Germany against European champions Spain, and participated via video message. Present in the hall were Italian athletes Thomas Ceccon, Lorenzo Zazzeri, Nicolò Martinenghi, Alessandro Miressi, Leonardo Deplano, Manuel Frigo, and Paolo Conte Bonin, with Massimiliano Rosolino moderating.

I want to thank all the present authorities, the athletes who will put on a show over these three days, the fifty-two delegations, and our long-standing and new sponsors who have joined the Italian Swimming Federation family: IP, the naming sponsor of Settecolli, and all ours Federation's sponsors, which re-engages with our world after the exciting European Championships in Rome 2022," said president Paolo Barelli. "I am honored to highlight the synergy with the ICE Agency for the 'Sport and Promotion of Made in Italy' project. The attention given to the International Swimming Trophy demonstrates the cultural value of the meeting, which attracts many industrial assets of the country, transcending the purely sporting aspects communicated through the deeds of our champions.""The event will also be an opportunity to promote further initiatives, including 'Water and Life,' which aims to reach young people with knowledge of water culture and safety within activities to train lifeguards and support their work along Italy's 8,000 kilometers of coastline," continued Barelli. "This is the 60th edition of Settecolli, a historic moment. Not many international sports events have such longevity. Furthermore, on Friday evening at 9:00 PM, Settecolli will be enriched by the pre-Olympic water polo test match between Italy and France, an important game just weeks before the Olympics. We will also host FINP paralympics athletes, including Manuel Bortuzzo, once one of our athletes. Settecolli, once again, guarantees a spectacle and emotions. Enjoy everyone."

"I feel like I am at a family reunion because I have climbed these steps and dived into the Foro Italico pool many times," said Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi. "I have an unconditional love for swimming and hope it can grow even more with the 'Water and Life' project. This is a transit stage for the Olympics, and I will be present tomorrow evening for Italy-France. I have great affection and respect for all the athletes' commitment and hope to see them competitive in Paris in a few weeks. I appreciate the Italian Swimming Federation's daily work across Italy, supporting clubs that open pools every morning despite all the difficulties. I particularly appreciate the 'Water and Life' project: we need to educate ourselves, have a water culture, an element to be respected to respect life. It is unacceptable that people still drown every day. This project needs support to ensure everyone's safety, with the hope of bringing swimming into schools as in France, as education starts there."

"Settecolli is another international sports event hosted by Rome, the eleventh in a few months, contributing to a tourism revival in the city and resulting in significant economic benefits and employment," highlighted Rome's Sports Councillor, Alessandro Onorato. "I now look forward to witnessing three days of great swimming at the Stadio del Nuoto." Sport and Innovation Made in Italy. Italian sport and innovation as the best ambassadors of Italian quality worldwide.

The "Sport and Innovation Made in Italy" project continues its journey at the 60th edition of the International Swimming Trophy - Settecolli, scheduled in Rome at the Foro Italico pools from June 20 to 23. It is the third act of this project after the Italian Open tennis tournament and the European Athletics Championships Rome 2024."Sport and Innovation Made in Italy," born from the collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, ITA (Italian Trading Agency), ICE (Institute for Foreign Trade), and Sport e Salute, has generated a valuable synergy between the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP), the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL), and the Italian Swimming Federation (FIN). A structured campaign to promote and communicate Italian excellence has emerged, with targeted initiatives planned over the coming months until the sports week scheduled for September.From Friday, June 21, from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM, the main facade of the Foro Italico Pools will feature a light show, a high-tech structural animation that enhances the building with dynamic and immersive light displays.** The show setup was created by Sport e Salute and the Italian Swimming Federation, in collaboration with an Italian company specializing in innovative and technological installations."Sport and Innovation Made in Italy" will also conclude the activities of Settecolli 2024: on Monday, June 24, at 10:00 AM, in the Red Room of the Foro Italico Pools, the first "Workshop on Sport and Innovation" will be held, a seminar to share the status, scenarios, and prospects of Italian and international Sport Tech as an opportunity for growth and development. This is an opportunity to explore how Italy is contributing to progress in the sports sector through technological innovations, new training methodologies, solutions for athletes' well-being, and more, with the presence of high-level professionals.The press conference for the presentation of the Settecolli trophy further delved into the project. "ICE is an agency dealing with exports," said ICE Director General Lorenzo Galanti. "Made in Italy now accounts for 30% of GDP, and exports are essential for the country's economy. Sports events can be wonderful vehicles for promoting Italian talent, quality, and success. For this reason, we have embarked on a project with Sport e Salute to promote the dynamism of the new generation of Italian sports worldwide. We have supported three events for these reasons: the Italian Open tennis tournament, the European Swimming Championships, and the 60th Settecolli, all hosted in the beautiful and evocative setting of the Foro Italico, another Italian gem."

IP Title Sponsor."I thank all those present, my team, and the advisors," emphasized IP Marketing & Innovation Director Daniele Longo. "Last year, we celebrated our 90th anniversary here, and for all these years, IP has been providing energy to all Italians. Like sport, it is a vehicle of energy and mobility throughout Italy. There is great affinity between sport and our environment. Swimming is the most practiced sport in Italy, allowing us to reach a large audience. Swimming has many values aligned with ours. We have taken on the responsibility of being a sponsor of this sport very seriously, and I wish the entire National Team the best of luck for the Olympics."

Words from Technical Director Cesare Butini: "I quote my predecessor, Alberto Castagnetti, who said that when you reach the top, you must wear a coat. Reaching the top is difficult, but staying there is even more challenging. The athletes are working well, and the coaches are very qualified. The news from abroad, from various trials, has shown us that there will be tough competition, but we are ready."

Words from Gregorio Paltrinieri: "I am pleased with the results of the recent European Championships in Belgrade and happy to be here at Settecolli. Despite being close to the Olympics, I could have considered skipping this event, but we decided to test ourselves. I am eager to compete against top-level athletes. Some of my greatest rivals are here, and I didn't want to miss it."

Words from Simona Quadarella: "Intermediate goals motivate me for the various seasons, and this year's World Championships have given me great encouragement for the Olympics. We have competed at very high levels, and this event is no exception. Competing at home is always a great emotion."

Words from Sarah Sjöström: "I have learned that it is important to enjoy every day of this journey. I have been to Settecolli more than fifteen times, the first in 2007, and it is always very nice."

Words from Daniel Wiffen:"This is my second time at Settecolli. It will be a great. It will be fun to challenge Greg on Sunday”.

Video Message from the President of Sport e Salute, Marco Mezzaroma. While in Germany with CEO Diego Nepi Molineris to support the national football team facing Spain tonight at 21:00, President Mezzaroma greeted all attendees with a video message. "The Foro Italico is once again hosting the International Settecolli Trophy, one of the main events in the annual sports calendar at what has increasingly become the gravitational center of sports in Italy. The pool, which will welcome top swimmers from around the world just weeks before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, is also the same pool where hundreds of young athletes train daily, dreaming of one day becoming stars at Settecolli. This is the great responsibility of top athletes: to be a reference point and source of inspiration for both young swimmers and the many masters who train in these waters every day."In recent weeks, Mezzaroma continued, "the Foro Italico has hosted other major events in prestigious disciplines: from the International Tennis Championships to the European Athletics Championships, and now the Major Premiere of padel, which runs concurrently with Settecolli, just a few meters from the Swimming Stadium. The sharing of the Foro Italico Park, with athletes from different disciplines mingling, represents the ultimate expression of sport. There is nothing more beautiful than a grand piazza where sport is the unifying factor and swimming stands out as a symbol of health and wellness. I extend a warm welcome to everyone at the Foro Italico, thank the Italian Swimming Federation for organizing this important event, and wish the best of luck to all participants."

Mascot Finny, Coach of the Year, and Spotify Playlist During the conference, several other announcements were made: the introduction of the Italian Swimming Federation's mascot, Finny; the Settecolli Vol. I playlist on Spotify, featuring tracks chosen by the champions of the 2023 edition; and the ninth edition of the Coach of the Year "Alberto Castagnetti" award, with finalists Alberto Burlina, Christian Minotti, and Marco Pedoja.

Water and Life The Italian Swimming Federation is the leading organization in Italy for promoting and regulating aquatic sports. Through its Lifesaving Section, it has always been committed to promoting water safety, training lifeguards, and updating its members through regular courses. This educational program aims to raise awareness and educate students about the importance of water safety, promoting responsible and conscious behavior. Water safety is a vital skill that all children should learn from a young age. Schools play a crucial role in teaching children basic skills to protect themselves in the water and prevent accidents. By participating in the project, students will benefit from increased awareness (understanding the risks associated with water and how to prevent them), practical skills (learning basic swimming and floating techniques), and fun and socialization (engaging in enjoyable activities and making new friends). The main goals of "Water and Life" are accident prevention, promotion of physical activity, development of swimming skills, education on safety, and fostering inclusion and diversity. The project includes various activities and educational content, such as theoretical and practical lessons and the use of teaching materials.

Numbers The event will see the participation of 876 athletes (477 men and 399 women) for a total of 2015 race entries from 52 countries: Italy, Argentina, Aruba, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cameroon, Cyprus, Denmark, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Philippines, Georgia, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Panama, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Scotland, United States, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Togo, Ukraine, Hungary, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam. Among them are many Olympic and world medalists such as Britain's Adam Peaty and Benjamin Proud, Laura Stephens and Freya Colbert, Tom Dean, Luke Greenbank, and James Guy, Japan's Yui Ohashi and Daiya Seto, the indomitable Hungarian Katinka Hosszú, Germany's Florian Wellbrock, the Dutch Arno Kamminga, Tes Schouten, Marrit Steenbergen, Lithuania's Ruta Meilutyte, South Africa's Chad Le Clos, Siobhan Haughey from Hong Kong, Canada's Penny Oleksiak, among other international stars.

Schedule Heats start at 9:00, C finals at 16:00, pre-show at 17:15. A and B finals from 18:00. Heats, 800m, and 1500m freestyle will be held in ten lanes; A and B finals in eight lanes. C finals are reserved for Italian athletes only. An expected 20,000 spectators will fill the stands over the sold-out three days. The event also features the participation of FINP (52 Italians) and representatives from Belgium, Great Britain, Spain, and Turkey, all endorsed and recognized by World Para Swimming. An event within the event is the water polo test match between Italy and France on Friday 21 at 21:00, with free admission and live broadcast on Waterpolo Channel.

Photos by Giorgio Scala and Andrea Staccioli / DBM
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60° Settecolli IP. Press conference on June 20th

More than a race. The oldest swimming trophy in the world is renewed every year and relaunched with great Italian and foreign champions. The 60th edition of the IP Settecolli Trophy - Internazionali di Nuoto will be presented to the press on Thursday 20 June at 12:00 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Foro Italico Swimming Pools (ex Sala Rossa). The conference will be moderated by all-round champion Massimiliano Rosolino. Together with President Paolo Barelli, speakers will include Minister for Sport and Youths Andrea Abodi, the Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Roma Capitale Alessandro Onorato, Lorenzo Galanti, Director of ICE - Italian Trade & Investment Agency for the project "Sport and Promotion of Made in Italy"; DT of the Italian national team Cesare Butini, coach of the national water polo team Sandro Campagna with captain Francesco Di Fulvio, Olympic bronze medallist and world champion in 2019, multiple Olympic and world champions Gregorio Paltrinieri, Simona Quadarella, Sarah Sjoestroem and Daniel Wiffen. Also present will be the President of the Italian Paralympic Federation Roberto Valori with Alessia Scortechini, Paralympic champion with the 4x100 freestyle and world and European champion; Daniele Longo, Marketing & Innovation Director of IP - Gruppo Api, title sponsor of the event; Fabrizio Manni, Head of Global Sponsorship and Events ENEL. Marco Mezzaroma, President of Sport e Salute, who is in Germany with CEO Diego Nepi Molineris to support the national football team that will face Spain at the European champions, will greet all those present with a video-message. During the conference, the Federnuoto mascot, Finny, will also be presented; the playlist Settecolli vol. I, published on Spotify, with the songs chosen by the champions of the 2023 edition; the 'Alberto Castagnetti' Coach of the Year Award, now in its ninth edition, with finalists Alberto Burlina, Christian Minotti and Marco Pedoja.
In the hall the Italian national team members Thomas Ceccon, Lorenzo Zazzeri, Nicolò Martinenghi, Alessandro Miressi, Benedetta Pilato, Leonardo Deplano, Manuel Frigo and Paolo Conte Bonin.

The 60th edition of the Settecolli IP / International Swimming Trophy is scheduled at Stadio del Nuoto in Rome, from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 June. The first edition took place in 1963. Stadio del Nuoto was the venue for the Olympic Games in 1960, then the World Championships in 1994 and 2009 and the European Championships in 1983 and 2022. Heats will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook, finals live from 6 p.m. on RaiSport HD. As usual, pre-show is scheduled to start at 5:15 p.m. with, among others, the participation of Massimiliano Rosolino and Filippo Magnini, with live coverage on YouTube and Facebook. Tickets, with discounts for FIN members, available on Ticketone. Around 1,000 athletes representing 52 countries are registered. Among them are many Olympic and world champions and multiple medallists, such as Britain's Adam Peaty and Benjamin Proud, Laura Stephens and Freya Colbert, Tom Dean, Luke Greenbank and James Guy, Japan's Yui Ohashi and Daiya Seto, the stainless Magyar Katinka Hosszú, Germany's Florian Wellbrock, Holland's Arno Kamminga, Tes Schouten, Marrit Steenbergen, Lithuania's Ruta Meilutyte, South Africa's Chad Le Clos, Hong Kong's Siobhan Haughey, Canada's Penny Oleksiak, as well as other international stars. 20,000 spectators are expected for the three-day sold-out event. Of international importance is the presence of the FINP (52 Italians) and a representative from Belgium, Great Britain, Spain and Turkey. All endorsed and recognised by the World Para Swimming. Among the FINP athletes, Manuel Bortuzzo will also be competing on Friday morning in the 100 breaststroke. Event within the event, the water polo test match between Italy and France on Friday 21 at 9 p.m. Free admission and live coverage on Waterpolo Channel.

Press conference live on Facebook

FINP's participation at the 60th Settecolli

The connection between FIN and FINP is renewed for the 60th edition of the Settecolli International Trophy. A presence that has a dual significance: the first is undoubtedly the prestige of competing in the temple of swimming par excellence; the second is that of performing a further test for the athletes who will be called up for the Paralympic Summer Games in Paris (29 August - 8 September). In view of the great importance of this international event, for the first time in history we will see not only our 52 Italian athletes, including most of the world and European champion national team, but also a representation of foreign nations, including Belgium, Great Britain, Spain, and Turkey, swimming in the most beautiful pool in the world. All endorsed and recognised by World Para Swimming.

Friendly Italy-France. Settebello lights up the first night

Italy-France will never be a normal challenge. During the Roman night, the spotlights turn on the Stadio del Nuoto to welcome the summer that will lead us to the Paris Olympic Games. On June 21st at 9.00 pm, with free entry, the legendary Settebello will sharpen their weapons in view of the five-round match with one of the teams on the best team in the world: France coached by Bruzzo and supported by the totem who is also former Settebello world champion Michael Bodegas.  France, who were oliympic champions in a home edition in 1924, has changed and built a lot until reaching an incredible fourth place at the World Cup in Doha. The best result in French history, when they first beat trophy holder Hungary in the quarter-finals, then lost in the semi-final on penalties against Croatia, and in followed by the "final" of third place with european champion of Spain.
Italy are world vice champions with the dream that goes out in the final when the Croatian Buric converted an extraplayer action at five seconds from the finish line, making the match 11-11. The fatal penalties were errors by Echenique and Di Fulvio after Del Lungo had saved Fatovic's shot. However, there are no regrets for the Italian team who are looking forward to the most important event with confidence: the Paris Olympic Games, which they will reach with the third final in four editions of the world championships and the European bronze won in january. A teammate now at the top, which plays on par with all the strongest teams and has included two young players in the team such as Francesco Condemi, heir to Francesco Di Fulvio (best player of the tournament), and Iocchi Gratta, an excellent modern centre.

The water polo tournaments at the Paris Olympic Games will take place from 27 July to 11 August 2024. The group stage matches are played at the Paris Aquatics Centre, while the final stage is hosted by the Paris La Défense Arena. Twelve teams are competing in the men's tournament, while ten teams are competing for medals in the women's tournament. Among the men there are two round-robin groups of six teams, from which the top four teams qualify, then continues with the direct elimination phase from the quarter-finals. Among the women there are two round-robin groups of five teams, from which the top four teams qualify for the quarterfinals. At Tokyo 2020, Serbia won gold among the men and the United States triumphed among the women.

Foto Pasquale Mesiano / DBM

Settecolli 2024 coming. Last call for the Olympics

The 60th edition of the Sette Colli IP / International swimming trophy is scheduled in a few days at the Stadio del Nuoto in Rome, from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd June. The heats will be streamed, the finals live from 6pm on Raisport HD. As usual, the pre-show is scheduled starting from 5pm with, among others, the participation of olimpyc champion Massimiliano Rosolino and world champion Filippo Magnini. Tickets are available on ticketone. For the moment, athletes representing 35 countries have already registered. Among them many champions and multiple Olympic and world medalists for very interesting challenges that we will announce in the next few days. Among these the king of breast Adam Peaty, the princess of speed Sarah Sjöström, the Japanese legend Daiya Seto, the king of long distance Daniel Wiffen. Follow the official list of the Italy. For the italians are the last call for catch the pass to the Olympics.

Italy Team. The athletes forming the team (18 females and 25 males)
Lisa Angiolini (Carabinieri / Virtus Buonconvento)
Anita Bottazzo (Fiamme Gialle / Imolanuoto)
Martina Carraro (Fiamme Azzurre)
Arianna Castiglioni (Fiamme Gialle / Team Insubrika)
Costanza Cocconcelli (Fiamme Gialle / Azzurra 91)
Sara Curtis (CS Boero)
Giulia D'Innocenzo (Carabinieri / CC Aniene)
Francesca Fangio (Esercito / In Sport Rane Rosse)
Sara Franceschi (Fiamme Gialle / Livorno Aquatics)
Sonia Laquintana (Azzurra 91)
Emma Virginia Menicucci (Esercito / CC Aniene)
Sofia Morini (Esercito / Azzurra 91)
Margherita Panziera (Fiamme Oro / CC Aniene)
Francesca Pasquino (In Sport Rane Rosse)
Benedetta Pilato (Fiamme Oro / CC Aniene)
Simona Quadarella (CC Aniene)
Giulia Ramatelli (Esercito / Aurelia Nuoto)
Chiara Tarantino (Fiamme Gialle / In Sport Rane Rosse)
Domenico Acerenza (Fiamme Oro / CC Napoli)
Federico Burdisso (Esercito / Aurelia Nuoto)
Giacomo Carini (Fiamme Gialle / Can. Vittorino da Feltre)
Thomas Ceccon (Fiamme Oro / Leosport)
Simone Cerasuolo (Fiamme Oro / Imolanuoto)
Matteo Ciampi (Esercito / Livorno Aquatics)
Paolo Conte Bonin (Fiamme Oro / Team Veneto)
Luca De Tullio (Fiamme Oro / CC Aniene)
Marco De Tullio (CC Aniene)
Leonardo Deplano (Carabinieri / CC Aniene)
Stefano Di Cola (Fiamme Azzurre / CC Aniene)
Manuel Frigo (Fiamme Oro / Team Veneto)
Michele Lamberti (Fiamme Gialle / GAM Brescia)
Nicolò Martinenghi (CC Aniene)
Filippo Megli (Carabinieri / RN Florentia)
Alessandro Miressi (Fiamme Oro / CN Torino)
Lorenzo Mora (Fiamme Rosse / Amici Nuoto Modena)
Gregorio Paltrinieri (Fiamme Oro / Coopernuoto)
Federico Poggio (Fiamme Azzurre / Imolanuoto)
Alessandro Ragaini (Carabinieri / Team Marche)
Alberto Razzetti (Fiamme Gialle / Genova My Sport)
Matteo Restivo (RN Florentia)
Gianmarco Sansone (Emmeci)
Ludovico Viberti (CN Torino)
Lorenzo Zazzeri (Esercito / RN Florentia)

Foto Federica Muccichini / Deepbluemedia