On the second day of the Settecolli International Swim Meet in Rome, the Italian national team delivered a dazzling array of performances, drawing a packed crowd and the attention of top officials—including Italian Olympic Committee’s new president, Luciano Buonfiglio, who chose this prestigious meet for his first official appearance.

Burdisso’s Comeback: Back in the Fast Lane
Federico Burdisso, fresh from a return to his roots with longtime coach Simone Palombi in Gubbio, made a powerful statement in the 200m butterfly. The 24-year-old Army swimmer and engineering graduate clocked an impressive 1:54.76, the only athlete to break the 1:55 barrier. His splits—25.46, 28.43, 29.77, and 31.10—were consistent and bold, reflecting a swimmer in top physical and mental shape. Burdisso, whose last sub-1:55 swim was at the 2021 European Championships in Budapest (1:54.28), was visibly moved: “It feels good to smile again after so long. I deserve this. It’s been years since I felt this strong in the water. Swimming in Rome is always special.”

Young Stars: Curtis and D’Ambrosio Rewrite the Record Books
Sara Curtis, just 18 and fresh off her high school graduation, dominated the women’s 100m freestyle with a swift 53.73, just off her Italian record of 53.01 set earlier this year. Curtis, representing the Army and CS Roero, led a quartet of Italian women who will spearhead the 4x100m freestyle relay in Paris. Behind her, Emma Virginia Menicucci (Army/CC Aniene), Sofia Morini (Army/NC Azzurra 91), and Chiara Tarantino (Fiamme Gialle/In Sport Rane Rosse) all posted strong times, signaling depth in the Italian sprint ranks.

Carlos D’Ambrosio, also 18, made headlines with a blistering 48.14 in the 100m freestyle, taking down the Italian junior record (previously 48.45 by Luca Leonardo in 2009). The Fiamme Gialle and Fondazione Bentegodi talent now ranks seventh all-time among Italian men in the event. Only Russia’s Igor Kornev, who won in 47.60, could beat him.

Pilato and Viberti: Masters of the Breaststroke
Benedetta Pilato, a veteran at just 20, showed her class in the 50m breaststroke with a winning time of 30.30, holding off Finland’s Veera Kivirinta (30.43). Pilato, who has been a podium regular since the 2019 Worlds, admitted she wasn’t at her best but still delivered a champion’s performance.

Ludovico Blu Art Viberti, 23, completed the Italian breaststroke double by winning the men’s 50m in 26.43, just off his morning Italian record of 26.27. Viberti, Fiamme Oro/CN Torino, outclassed Russia’s Ivan Kozhakin (26.59) and teammate Simone Cerasuolo (26.71), with Olympic champion Nicolò Martinenghi (CC Aniene) just off the podium in 26.86.
Quadarella’s Double: Distance Queen Reigns Supreme

Simona Quadarella, the reigning middle-distance queen, added the 800m freestyle title to her 1500m win from the previous day. The CC Aniene star clocked 8:21.99, comfortably ahead of Germany’s Isabel Gose (8:23.86). Quadarella, a Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist, said, “Everything went as planned. I felt good from the start and managed the race well.”

Other Highlights: Cocconcelli, Gastaldi, and Paralympic Stars
Costanza Cocconcelli (Fiamme Gialle/NC Azzurra 91) set a new personal best in the 100m butterfly (57.72), while Anita Gastaldi (Carabinieri/V02 Nuoto Torino) claimed the Italian title in the 100m backstroke (1:01.08).
In the opening finals, Paralympic champions Carlotta Gilli (Fiamme Oro/Rari Nantes Torino) and Simone Barlaam (Fiamme Oro/Poha Varese) thrilled the crowd with victories in the 100m freestyle. Gilli, a newly minted psychology graduate, and Barlaam, both crowd favorites, continue to inspire with their dedication and success.

Buonfiglio: Athletes at the Heart of the Sport
Italian Olympic Committee’s President Luciano Buonfiglio, making his debut at a major event, highlighted the importance of athletes: “Being here with Paolo Barelli and the Italian Swimming Federation, one of the most successful and socially engaged, is a wonderful start. Awarding these athletes is an honor that moves me. Athletes must be at the center of our interests—not just in words, but in action.”

Federazione Italiana Nuoto President Paolo Barelli added: “It’s a pleasure to have such a great crowd and President Buonfiglio here. We’re old friends. The CONI must put athletes, clubs, and federations at the heart of its activities.”

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Photo Andrea Staccioli / DBM
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