Rome, September 27, 2025. The Italian Judo delegation encountered a tough start at the competition in Prague today. Only Mattia Miceli, representing GS Fiamme Azzurre, managed to progress to a stage just short of the bronze medal match.
Miceli overcame opponents Michna of Poland and Revol of France before being stopped by competitors from Great Britain, Young, and Israel, Jazan. Angelo Pantano, from GS Fiamme Gialle, was eliminated in the round of sixteen after a contest against Azerbaijan’s Talibov.
Several Italian Athletes Eliminated in Initial Rounds
Table of Contents
- 1. Several Italian Athletes Eliminated in Initial Rounds
- 2. Upcoming Categories Tomorrow
- 3. Key Results Summary
- 4. Understanding Judo Competition structure
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about Judo
- 6. How did adjustments to the front wing angle and rear suspension geometry impact Settimo’s cornering grip and understeer?
- 7. Miceli Settimo’s Prague Race Day: Second-Day Overview and Insights
- 8. Second-Day Qualifying Performance – A Detailed Breakdown
- 9. Key Moments and Notable Laps
- 10. Competitor Analysis: the Qualifying landscape
- 11. Tire Strategy and Degradation observations
- 12. Looking Ahead to the Race – Strategy and Expectations
- 13. Prague Circuit Specific Challenges
- 14. Data Analysis Tools Utilized
Francesco Crociani of ASD Banzai Cortina Rome, Francesco Cargnelutti from GS Army, Fabrizio Esposito of GS Fiamme Azzurre, Edoardo Mella from GS Army, Alessandro Magnani from GS Fiamme Gialle, Raffaella Lelia Ciano of Asd Fitness Club Nuova Florida, Irene Caleo from CRS Akiyama Settimo, and Tiziana Marini, also of CRS Akiyama Settimo, were all unsuccessful in reaching the later stages of the competition.
Upcoming Categories Tomorrow
tomorrow’s competition schedule will feature the following weight classes: -81 kg, -90 kg, -100 kg, +100 kg for men, and -48 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg for women. The event provides a key opportunity for athletes to gain valuable international experience and improve their rankings.
Fans and followers can watch the entire event live on judo.tv.
Key Results Summary
| Athlete | Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mattia Miceli | GS Fiamme Azzurre | Reached stage before bronze medal match |
| Angelo Pantano | GS Fiamme Gialle | Eliminated in Round of 16 |
| Francesco Crociani | ASD Banzai Cortina Rome | eliminated |
Did You Know? Judo, meaning “gentle way,” originated in Japan in 1882, developed from Jujutsu.It emphasizes using technique and leverage rather than brute strength.
the performance of the Italian team reflects the challenges inherent in international Judo competitions, where the level of skill and strategic planning is exceptionally high. Consistent performance requires dedicated training and access to top-tier coaching and resources.
Understanding Judo Competition structure
Judo competitions typically follow a single-elimination bracket system. Athletes are paired based on weight class and rankings. Losing a match typically results in immediate elimination, though a repechage round may offer a second chance for some competitors. The ultimate goal is to score an ‘Ippon’, a full point, or to accumulate enough points to win.
Frequently Asked Questions about Judo
- What is Judo? Judo is a modern Japanese martial art and combat sport created in 1882 by Jigoro Kano.
- What are the weight classes in Judo? Judo weight classes vary but generally include categories from -60kg to +100kg for men and -48kg to +78kg for women.
- How do athletes score points in Judo? Points are awarded for throws, takedowns, pins, and submissions. A full point is called an ‘Ippon’.
- What is the meaning of the white belt in Judo? The white belt represents the beginning of a Judo practitioner’s journey and signifies humility and a willingness to learn
- Where can I learn more about international Judo competitions? The International Judo Federation (https://www.ijf.org/) is the primary governing body for Judo worldwide.
What are your thoughts on the Italian team’s performance so far? Do you think they have a good chance in the upcoming weight classes?
Share your opinions in the comments below!
How did adjustments to the front wing angle and rear suspension geometry impact Settimo’s cornering grip and understeer?
Miceli Settimo’s Prague Race Day: Second-Day Overview and Insights
Second-Day Qualifying Performance – A Detailed Breakdown
Miceli Settimo’s performance on the second day of qualifying for the Prague race was marked by strategic adjustments and a clear focus on maximizing track position. After a solid, but not spectacular, first day, the team analyzed telemetry data extensively overnight, identifying key areas for enhancement in both car setup and driving style. The primary goal was to elevate Settimo’s qualifying time and secure a more favorable starting grid position for the main race.
* Setup changes: Important modifications were made to the front wing angle and rear suspension geometry. These adjustments aimed to enhance cornering grip and reduce understeer, a recurring issue reported by Settimo during the first qualifying session.
* Driving Style Refinement: Settimo worked closely with his race engineer to refine his braking points and throttle request, particularly through the challenging chicane sections of the Prague circuit.
* Lap Time Improvement: The changes yielded positive results, with Settimo improving his lap time by 0.35 seconds compared to the previous day. This placed him 14th on the grid,a respectable position considering the highly competitive field.
Key Moments and Notable Laps
Several laps during the second qualifying session stood out as particularly strong indicators of Settimo’s potential.
- Lap 3: A clean lap with consistent sector times,demonstrating the effectiveness of the revised car setup.
- Lap 7: A near-perfect lap compromised only by a slight lock-up on entry to Turn 4, costing approximately 0.1 seconds.
- Lap 11: Settimo’s fastest lap of the session,showcasing his ability to extract maximum performance from the car. This lap was particularly notable for its strong exit speed from the final corner.
Competitor Analysis: the Qualifying landscape
The qualifying session saw a dominant performance from veteran racer, Jan Novak, who secured pole position with a blistering lap time. Several other drivers also demonstrated strong pace, making the battle for the top 10 incredibly tight.
* Jan Novak (Pole Position): Novak’s consistent pace throughout both qualifying sessions highlighted his experience and mastery of the Prague circuit.
* Karel Vesely (2nd Position): Vesely, a rising star in the series, proved to be a formidable challenger, consistently pushing Novak for the top spot.
* Petr Svoboda (3rd Position): Svoboda’s qualifying performance solidified his position as a front-runner, setting the stage for an exciting race.
Tire Strategy and Degradation observations
The choice of tire compound played a crucial role in qualifying performance. Teams were given the option of using soft or medium compound tires. Miceli Settimo opted for a single run on the soft compound tires to maximize grip and achieve the fastest possible lap time.
* Soft Compound Performance: The soft tires provided significantly more grip, allowing Settimo to push the car to its limits. However,they also exhibited higher degradation,limiting the number of fast laps that coudl be completed.
* Medium Compound Strategy: Several teams opted for the medium compound tires, prioritizing consistency and longevity over outright pace. This strategy proved effective for drivers aiming to conserve tires for the race.
* Degradation Analysis: Data collected during the session indicated that tire degradation was particularly pronounced in the rear tires,requiring drivers to adjust their driving style to mitigate the loss of grip.
Looking Ahead to the Race – Strategy and Expectations
With a 14th-place starting position, Miceli Settimo’s race strategy will likely focus on making consistent progress through the field. A well-executed pit stop strategy and effective tire management will be crucial for maximizing his chances of a strong finish.
* Pit Stop Timing: The team is considering an early pit stop to take advantage of clear track conditions and undercut competitors.
* Tire Choice for the Race: The choice between soft, medium, and hard compound tires will depend on the race conditions and the team’s assessment of tire degradation.
* Expected Race Pace: Based on practice and qualifying data, Settimo is expected to have a competitive race pace, capable of challenging drivers ahead.
Prague Circuit Specific Challenges
The Prague circuit presents unique challenges for drivers and teams. Its tight corners and undulating terrain demand precision and adaptability.
* Turn 1 – The hairpin: This slow-speed hairpin requires precise braking and a smooth transition to throttle.
* The Chicane Section: The series of chicanes tests a driver’s ability to quickly change direction while maintaining control.
* Elevation Changes: The circuit’s undulating terrain affects braking distances and car balance, requiring drivers to constantly adjust their technique.
Data Analysis Tools Utilized
The Miceli Settimo racing team leverages advanced data analysis tools to optimize performance. These tools provide valuable insights into car behavior and driver performance.
* MoTeC i2 pro: Used for real-time data acquisition and analysis during track sessions.
* Veloce Motorsports Software: Employed for detailed lap time analysis and