One week after a 15th-place finish at the World Championships Mixed Team Relay, Italy has bounced back impressively by claiming victory at the European Championships Mixed Team Relay. In a field where some top nations opted not to start or brought B-teams, Italy’s quartet showed poise, strength, and teamwork to take the win in a thrilling and closely contested race.
The Italian team – Bianca Seregni, Euan De Nigro, Carlotta Missaglia, and Alessio Crociani – was not necessarily the most star-studded lineup on paper, but they delivered when it mattered most. Their combined effort resulted in a final time of 1:34:06, narrowly edging out The Netherlands by just four seconds to secure the European title.
Italy’s strategy and execution proved crucial in a race where many heavyweights were absent or underrepresented. Nations like France, Great Britain, and Spain all sent secondary squads, while Germany didn’t start at all. That left the door open for countries like Italy to make a statement, and they did just that.
The Dutch team – featuring Barbara de Koning, Victor Goené (in for Gjalt Panjer), Robin Dreyling, and Ian Pennekamp – took silver in 1:34:10, while Hungary claimed bronze just three seconds later in 1:34:13.
