Article by Franco Longo – Photos by FIPT Communication and Marketing Commission
Italy and France Reach the Final
Italy aims for redemption after the 2023 defeat
As predicted on the eve of the tournament, Italy and France have reached the men’s final. The Italians and the French once again confirm themselves as the strongest national teams in both the European and global tamburello scene.
France defeated Brazil 13–2. Unlike their women’s team, the French men maintained a high tempo throughout the match. France quickly took the lead: 3–0, 5–1, 8–1. The South Americans managed to win one deuce (40-all), slightly reducing the gap. At 9–2, another deuce occurred, this time won by France. From that moment, Brazil effectively surrendered. France then claimed the final three games, securing their place in the final, where on Sunday they will attempt to repeat their 2023 success.
Italy also won 13–2 against Catalonia. The match started evenly at 1–1, before Italy won the first deuce to take a 2–1 lead. From there, the dominance of the team coached by Nicola Valentini and Luca Baldini kept growing. The score progressed to 10–2, with Italy conceding nothing further and comfortably advancing to the final.
After a perfect tournament so far for Lorenzo Tonon and his teammates, the toughest challenge now awaits against a strong and experienced opponent. For Italy, the goal is clear: bring the trophy back home after the defeat in 2023.
Score progression: 2–1, 5–1, 8–1, 10–2, 12–2, 13–2
Men’s Semifinal Results
Italy – Catalonia 13–2
Brazil – France 2–13
Finals
3rd–4th Place Final: Catalonia – Brazil
1st–2nd Place Final: Italy – France