Italian Fencers Monaco & Bossalini Compete at European Championships 2024

Italian Fencers Set to Compete at European Championships

Two young fencers from the Circolo “Pettorelli” club in Piacenza, Italy, Valentino Monaco and Andrea Bossalini, have been selected to represent Italy at the European Cadets and Junior Fencing Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, from February 20 to February 27. Italy will be sending a total of 47 athletes across the three weapons – foil, épée, and sabre – and both cadet and junior categories.

Monaco and Bossalini, both born in 2009, will compete in the men’s cadet épée event. They are joined on the Italian team by Pietro De Gaetano (Roma Fencing) and Gabriele Giovita (Cus Catania), with Francesco La Forza (Scherma Bresso) named as the reserve.

The individual cadet épée competition is scheduled for the opening day of the championships, February 20, with the team event following two days later.

“This proves a great satisfaction for the entire Pettorelli club,” said club president Alessandro Bossalini, “to have two of our athletes return to the European Championships after a long time. The last time was my participation in 1989 in Gouda (Netherlands), which was also my debut in such an important competition. This call-up is a dream come true for these two boys, who have grown a lot and have had an extraordinary journey in their categories year after year. They have always shown commitment and passion and are beginning to reap the rewards of their efforts.”

The European Championships will feature a total of 24 continental titles awarded over eight days of competition. The event at St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, which concluded on June 23, 2024, saw Italy perform strongly, with the men’s foil team securing a gold medal. According to reports from the 2024 Championships, Italy’s total medal count reached thirteen, surpassing their performance at the previous European Championships by two.

The Italian men’s foil team, comprised of Guillaume Bianchi, Tommaso Marini, Filippo Macchi, and Alessio Foconi, defeated France 45-43 in a closely contested final. Tommaso Marini was a key member of that winning team. The women’s épée team also contributed to Italy’s success, earning a bronze medal with a comeback victory against Estonia.

The 2024 European Fencing Championships, held in Basel, Switzerland, involved fencers from 38 countries. The competition included both individual and team events in foil, épée, and sabre for both men and women. The event took place at the St. Jakobshalle venue.

Italy’s success in fencing is attributed to rigorous training, strategic coaching, and a strong emphasis on teamwork. The program’s depth of talent was on display in Basel, and the nation is looking to continue that momentum in Tbilisi.

The upcoming championships in Tbilisi represent a significant opportunity for Monaco and Bossalini to showcase their skills on the international stage and contribute to Italy’s continued success in fencing. The event will provide a platform for young athletes to compete against the best in Europe and gain valuable experience.