Italy’s Scherma Teams Prepare for European Championships with New Trentino Partnership
Roma – The Federazione Italiana Scherma (FIS) has announced a strategic partnership with the Trentino-Alpe Cimbra region to host pre-European Championships training camps for Italy’s national fencing teams. The collaboration, unveiled during the 2026 Italian Frecciarossa Championships in Rome, will see Folgaria serve as the primary training hub for the Olympic teams ahead of the European Championships in France (June 16-21, 2026).
Key Details of the Partnership
The agreement includes a triennial commitment through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with initial training sessions scheduled for June 8-12, 2026. The partnership extends beyond the Olympic teams, with plans to host the junior “Azzurrini” squad in September and the Paralympic team in autumn 2026.
“This synergy between the Trentino region and Italian fencing represents a meeting of two excellence realities,” said FIS President Luigi Mazzone. “Folgaria will host a crucial preparatory phase for the European Championships, building on the 10 medals won at the 2025 Genova European Championships.”
Regional Support and Infrastructure
The Trentino-Alpe Cimbra region emphasized its commitment to high-level sports infrastructure. Assessore allo Sport Mattia Gottardi highlighted the region’s “strategic focus on sport,” noting that the partnership aligns with Trentino’s reputation as a “winter sports hub” following the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“The territory is ready to welcome athletes with ideal conditions for physical and psychological optimization,” Gottardi stated. The collaboration involves Trentino Marketing and the Alpe Cimbra Tourism Agency, which emphasized the region’s accessibility for both able-bodied and Paralympic athletes.
Event Context and Future Plans
The partnership was announced during the 2026 Italian Frecciarossa Championships, which concluded the Olympic team’s domestic season. Mazzone praised the event’s “unprecedented” scale, citing the “magical” Pincio venue and the inclusive nature of the Paralympic and visually impaired competitions.
The Fiera di Roma, where the announcement took place, will host the final stages of the Italian Championships through June 5, 2026. Fabio Casasoli, CEO of Fiera di Roma, emphasized the venue’s commitment to accessibility, stating it “represents the vision of an inclusive sports space.”
Impact on Future Competitions
The partnership aims to strengthen Italy’s competitive edge ahead of the 2028 Olympics. Key figures in attendance included Paralympic athletes Edoardo Giordan and Julia Markowska, along with national team coaches such as Diego Confalonieri (men’s foil) and Dario Chiadò (women’s foil).
As the Italian fencing community looks to build on its recent successes, the Trentino collaboration marks a significant step in developing a sustainable training ecosystem for elite athletes.