Italian Curling Powerhouse Ready to Reign at Cortina 2026: A Golden Opportunity
Cembra, Italy – The Italian curling team is riding a wave of momentum as they prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo. A stunning gold medal win in mixed doubles at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, followed by a recent triumph at the World Championships in Fredericton, Canada, positions the nation as a serious contender. This is breaking news for curling fans worldwide, and a significant boost for Italy’s Olympic hopes. For those following Google News, this story highlights a team to watch.
Costantini & Mosaner: From Outsiders to Favorites
The dynamic duo of Stefania Costantini and Amos Mosaner are at the heart of Italy’s curling success. While Mosaner initially considered focusing solely on the team competition, a compelling case was made for their continued partnership in mixed doubles. As Adolfo Mosaner, Amos’s father and a key figure in Cembran curling, explained, “They are clearly the favorites…the other teams will give it their all.” This shift came after intervention from the Italian Federation and CONI, recognizing the couple’s potential to capture the public imagination, even beyond medal contention, with the Olympics being held on home soil.
Navigating the Rules to Secure a Winning Team
A unique challenge arose regarding team selection. Regulations stipulated that the mixed doubles team would be the Italian Championship winners, a competition Amos hadn’t entered. However, the technical director cleverly organized a challenge match between the top three teams, ensuring Costantini and Mosaner’s participation and, predictably, their dominance. This strategic move paved the way for their World Championship victory and secured their spot at Cortina 2026. This demonstrates a proactive approach to SEO and maximizing team performance.
Beyond the Duo: A Strong Supporting Cast
The Italian team isn’t solely reliant on Costantini and Mosaner. The squad, still being finalized, is expected to include Amos’s fellow villager Sebastian Arman, Joël Retornaz, Mattia Giovanella, and reserve Alberto Pimpini. They are guided by Canadian coach Ryan Fry. The team recently competed in the KIOTI GSOC Tahoe of Stateline in Nevada, narrowly missing a quarterfinal berth against Team McEwen, providing valuable experience against top international competition. This rigorous schedule is designed to hone their skills for the challenges ahead.
A Community Celebrates Curling Excellence
The team’s success is deeply rooted in the community of Cembra, where Costantini and Mosaner were recently honored with the wooden keys to the city – a symbolic gesture recognizing their achievements. The team has been utilizing the local curling hall for intensive training, preparing for upcoming Grand Slam events and crucial pre-Olympic competitions. Adolfo Mosaner’s leadership as president of the Cembra Curling Association has been instrumental in fostering a thriving curling culture in the region.
Looking Ahead: A Packed Schedule and Olympic Ambitions
The team’s calendar is packed. Following a press conference in Milan, they head to Lohja, Finland, for the European Team Championship, where the men’s team is aiming to improve upon their consistent near-misses for a bronze medal. December will see them return to Cembra for training before heading to Saskatoon, Canada, for the HearingLife Canadian Open. But all eyes are on February 5th, when Costantini and Mosaner will kick off the mixed doubles competition at Cortina 2026. The men’s competition begins February 11th, and the women’s on February 12th.
The Italian curling team isn’t just aiming for medals; they’re aiming to inspire a nation. With a winning combination of talent, determination, and community support, they are poised to make a significant impact on the world stage, and particularly, on their home turf in Cortina. Stay tuned to Archyde for continued coverage of their journey and the latest updates from the world of curling.
