Italy has a point to prove and nothing to lose at The World Games in Chengdu from August 14-17.
The lowest ranked nation besides host China, Italy returns to The World Games targeting an improvement over an eighth-place finish at the 2024 world championships and a positive turnaround they hope leads to gradual success and ultimately a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Italy opens its campaign at The World Games against European champions Great Britain in Chengdu, then comes up against familiar opponents in the second and third ranked teams in the world, reigning champions Mexico, and Japan. Italy lost to both nations in the group stages of The World Games in Alabama in 2022, posting a 3-1 record before bowing out in the quarterfinals.
“At the World Games in Birmingham, we won our first game against Brazil—something quite unexpected—so there’s nothing to suggest we won’t achieve a good result again,” said defensive back Giada Zocca, a veteran of that 2022 team. “We’re going to give it our all—200%. I believe we might finally get rid of a few chips from our shoulders.”
That targeted trajectory in IFAF competitions includes an improved finish in Chengdu and a place on the podium at this summer’s IFAF Europe Flag 2025 in Paris.
“I’m very excited to relive the World Games experience, this time in Chengdu,” adds Zocca. “I believe it’s a great testing ground to understand our current level—both in terms of play and athleticism—and whether we’re truly on a path of growth. Competing against the best teams in the world will be incredibly motivating, and with our new coaching staff leading us.”
That new coaching staff includes head coach Tommaso Monardi, who added: “I can’t wait to see us test ourselves against the best teams in the world. These will be tough matchups, but we’ll be ready to give our best. Mexico, Japan, and Great Britain are well-prepared teams that have been at the top for years—facing them is a great source of motivation for us, and the players can’t wait.
“We will focus on ourselves, which I know it is a repetitive phrase in this era, but just do your job and trust the plan. We will focus on doing things the right way and then it’s more likely that good things are going to happen. We’ll have ups and downs but will just stay together as a group and will always keep fighting.”
Player to Watch: DB / WR Giada Zocca
Head Coach: Tommaso Monardi, 1st Year
World Ranking: 10th
Form (last 5 games): L vs GBR / L vs ESP / L vs AUT / W vs GER / W vs DEN
IFAF Tournaments
2024 World Championships: 8th 2023 Europe Continentals: 5th 2022 The World Games: =5th 2021 World Championships: 8th
