Rome’s Foro Italico buzzed with excitement as the 61st Settecolli IP Trophy—Italy’s premier international swimming meet—wrapped up, setting the stage for July’s World Championships in Singapore. The event showcased a blend of established stars and thrilling new talent, with the Italian national team topping the medal table ahead of Great Britain and Germany.

Sara Curtis: The New Queen of Sprint
Sara Curtis, 18, continued her meteoric rise with a commanding win in the 50m freestyle, clocking 24.74—just 0.31 seconds shy of her Italian record (24.43, set in Riccione last April). The junior European champion, representing Esercito and CS Roero and coached by Thomas Maggiora, demonstrated her relentless drive and class, outpacing veteran Silvia Di Pietro (Carabinieri/CC Aniene, coached by Mirko Nozzolillo), who finished just behind in 24.81. The two embraced after the race, bridging generations of Italian sprinting. “I’m in a heavy training phase, so I wasn’t expecting much more,” said Curtis, who recently graduated with top marks. “But I’m happy to have improved from the heats—it means I’m on the right path.” Di Pietro, a 2017 short course Worlds silver medalist, added: “My goal is to stay fit for the short course Worlds in December. Racing here at this level is always a thrill.”

Thomas Ceccon: Backstroke Brilliance Despite Fatigue
Thomas Ceccon (Fiamme Oro/Leosport, coached by Alberto Burlina at the federal center in Verona), Italy’s Olympic and world record holder in the 100m backstroke, shifted his focus to the 200m backstroke. Despite feeling the effects of a grueling schedule, Ceccon delivered a solid 1:56.55, with a blistering middle split (55.41 at 100m). “I’m exhausted—I gave it everything tonight,” he admitted. “It’s tough getting used to racing at this level again. The time isn’t exceptional, but my goal is to be competitive for the 200m back at LA 2028.” Young compatriot Christian Bacico (Esercito/Como Nuoto Recoaro, coached by Verika Scorza) took third with a lifetime best 1:58.21, while Swiss Olympic bronze medalist Roman Mityukov split the Italians in 1:56.72.

Carlos D’Ambrosio: Italy’s New Freestyle Phenom
Carlos D’Ambrosio (Fiamme Gialle/Fondazione Bentegodi, coached by Luca De Monte) stole the show in the 200m freestyle, smashing his personal best with a 1:45.99—his first time under 1:46—to defeat world champion James Guy (GBR, 1:46.49). The 18-year-old, now fourth all-time among Italian performers, was ecstatic: “I’m shattered but incredibly proud. The crowd here lifts me—I’m pumped for Singapore and aiming to peak there.” Jack McMillan (GBR) took bronze in 1:46.75.

IM: Matteazzi Upsets Razzetti in 200m Medley
Massimiliano Matteazzi (In Sport Rane Rosse, coached by Federico Benda) stunned with a lifetime best 1:58.77 to win the 200m IM, edging out Italian record holder Alberto Razzetti (Fiamme Gialle/Genova Nuoto My Sport, coached by Stefano Franceschi), who finished in 1:59.12. “I trained hard in the US and knew I was in good shape, but beating Razzetti is a surprise,” said Matteazzi. Razzetti, focused on Worlds preparation, was gracious: “Massimiliano deserved this—he swam a great race. I’m happy with my progress.”

Gregorio Paltrinieri: Distance Star Returns to the Pool
Gregorio Paltrinieri (Fiamme Oro/Coopernuoto, coached by Fabrizio Antonelli) made his season debut in the pool with a strong 14:58.22 in the 1500m freestyle, just behind Germany’s Florian Wellbrock (14:53.59). “I’m a bit rusty, but I’m happy to be back racing here,” said the Olympic and world champion, who admitted he’d forgotten some of the details of pool racing after focusing on open water.

Other Highlights
- 200m Breaststroke: Japan’s Yu Hanaguruma won in 2:09.06, but Italian youngsters Christian Mantegazza and Nicolò Martinenghi (Fiamme Gialle/Team Trezzo, coached by Davide Conconi and Matteo Giunta) impressed with lifetime bests of 2:09.39 and 2:10.00, respectively.
- 200m Backstroke (Women): Rome’s Francesca Romana Furfaro (CC Aniene, coached by Gianluca Belfiore) upset British favorite Holly McGill, winning in 2:11.74.
- 50m Butterfly: Switzerland’s Noè Ponti, the reigning short course world champion, dominated in 22.74.
- 200m Butterfly (Women): Denmark’s Helena Rosendahl Bach won in 2:07.68, a time good for a European medal and a Worlds final.

Team Standings and Top Performances
Italy topped the national rankings with 88 points, followed by Great Britain (62.50) and Germany (60.00). Top individual performances included Ludovico Blu Art Viberti’s 26.27 in the 50m breaststroke, Noè Ponti’s 50.40 in the 100m butterfly, and Marco De Tullio’s 3:44.49 in the 400m freestyle.

National Team Director’s Verdict
Cesare Butini, Italy’s national team director, praised the squad’s depth: “Everyone performed well. We’ll finalize our Worlds team soon, but we’re already building for LA 2028. Youngsters like Curtis and D’Ambrosio are stepping up alongside our established stars. The future looks bright.”

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Photo Andrea Staccioli / DBM
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