Italian long jumper Francesco Inzoli has secured his qualification for the upcoming European Athletics Championships after a breakout performance at the Italian Under-23 Championships in Molfetta. With a leap of 8.25 meters, Inzoli becomes the fourth-best Italian long jumper of all time, signaling a significant shift in the national team’s depth ahead of the continental competition.
Francesco Inzoli’s Rise to the National Elite
At the Under-23 Championships in Molfetta, Francesco Inzoli delivered a career-defining performance. By clearing 8.25 meters, Inzoli improved his personal best by 29 centimeters, comfortably surpassing the qualifying standard for the European Championships. While he also recorded a jump of 8.30 meters during the event, that mark was wind-aided and did not count toward his official personal record.
This achievement places the 2006-born athlete in elite company.
National Team Developments and Injury Concerns
The Italian squad faces a complex landscape as they prepare for the European Championships. While Inzoli’s breakthrough provides a boost, the participation of star jumper Mattia Furlani remains uncertain. Furlani has publicly expressed concerns regarding his fitness following an injury sustained during a competition in China. Despite returning to the track in Montecarlo, Furlani reported that his physical condition has yet to reach the levels required to compete against the current international field.
In the 400-meter sprint, Mohamed Soudassi has emerged as a new contender. Soudassi recorded a time of 45.10 seconds at the Molfetta meet, shaving more than a second off his previous personal best. This performance marks the fastest time by an Italian this season and secures his qualification for the European Championships.
Chituru Ali’s Return to Form
Sprinter Chituru Ali, who successfully dipped under the 10-second barrier in 2024, has shown a return to top form after a challenging period of injuries. Following a stint in the United States, Ali struggled to maintain consistency throughout 2025. However, he recently clocked 10.09 seconds at the Grand Sprint Series in Norwalk, a performance that meets the European qualifying standard.
Ali also set a new personal best of 20.60 seconds in the 200 meters. His resurgence, combined with the consistent performances of Fausto Desalu, provides the Italian team with renewed options for the 4×100 meter relay.
Key Takeaways for the European Championships
- Francesco Inzoli: Qualified for the long jump with a personal best of 8.25 meters, becoming the fourth-best Italian ever.
- Mohamed Soudassi: Secured his spot in the 400 meters with a season-leading 45.10 seconds.
- Chituru Ali: Returned to form with a 10.09-second 100-meter sprint in Norwalk, qualifying for the European Championships.
- Mattia Furlani: Remains in doubt for the European Championships due to ongoing recovery from an injury sustained earlier this season.