The female saber gave the first blue medals: Santuccio’s silver, and Navarre’s bronze

Italy’s first medals at the World Championships in Milan come from women. After defeating Mara Navaria in the semi-finals, Alberta Santuccio was defeated 15–12 in the final by France’s Marie-Florence Kandasamy, but won the silver medal. The Ex aequo bronze went to Navarra and China’s Yiwen Sun, who previously beat Rossella Fiamingo, leading 8-5 before surrendering 9-8 in an overtime. In the quarter-finals, Santuccio dominated France’s Alexandra Louis Marie, with a 15–5 victory. The fourth Italian, Federica Isola, was eliminated in the first round, and also in overtime, by the Chinese Sihan Yu, with a score of 15-14.

bitter

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“An unusual result because it happened in Milan, in my home, but when you reach the final, a little bit of bitterness remains in your mouth. After a few minutes it will pass – Santuccio said right after the final to the Rai microphones – the team competition will also be important, let’s aim for qualification”.

Bronze medal

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“I wasn’t expecting such a draw, I had to bring out not only my technique and tactics, but also my nails. I’ve struggled a lot physically, I’m not in very good shape, I’m coming from a devastating season – I’ve got Navarria stuck – my knees aren’t ready, I’m not aiming for it, I’m not aiming for my feet.”