MILAN, Italy, July 29, 2023 – Italy won the gold medal in women’s team foil and men’s team epee at the 2023 Milan Fencing World Championships. It was the fifth of six days including 12 gold-medal events in women’s and men’s individual and team competition in epee, foil and sabre. In all, 27 women’s and 46 men’s teams competed in today’s foil and epee events. The Championships are taking place in Milan’s Allianz MiCo, the largest convention centre in Europe.
Italy faced France in the final match of women’s team foil, winning with a 45-39 score. Having won this title more than any other country, Italy is also the reigning 2022 world champion. In the semifinal round, France won against the USA, 45-42, while Italy defeated Japan, 43-30. The bronze medal went to Japan over USA, 45-34.
“We are very excited for this medal. We are once again the world champions!”, said Italy’s Francesca Palumbo. ‘It was a very emotional moment for all of us because we earned this medal at home, in front of our compatriots. Despite it being a close battle with two teams going point to point, I think this was the greatest way to win the championship. In general, in fencing, we don't have so many spectators, but today was magical.”
Italy faced France in the final match of men’s team epee, winning with a 45-32 score and the first time Italy has won this event in 30 years. In the semifinal round, France won against Korea, 45-28, while Italy defeated Venezuela, 35-23. The bronze medal went to Venezuela over Korea, 45-41.
“It was amazing to win this World Championship here in Milan, in our country in front of our fans”, said Italy’s Andrea Santarelli. “We are not used to having this crowd cheering for us, it was a unique experience that we will remember for many years. Trust me, the win against France was not easy. Maybe the score looks like it was an easy one, but definitely it wasn't. Every touch was very important and very difficult to take.”
Final rankings in women’s team foil included Italy (gold), France (silver), Japan (bronze), USA, Germany, China, Poland and Canada.
Final rankings in men’s team epee included Italy (gold), France (silver), Venezuela (bronze), Korea, Hungary, Germany, Kazakhstan and Czech Republic.
Complete and official results for the event may be found here on the FIE web site. For more exciting world fencing news and features, check out the YouTube FIE Fencing Channel. Find official photos from this and other events on the FIE Facebook page.
Official website of the 2023 Milan Fencing World Championships: https://milano2023.com/
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