SSL Team Italy, silver medallists at the inaugural SSL Gold Cup in 2023, return to the world stage as The Gladiators. Led by legendary skipper Vasco Vascotto, the Italians will begin their 2026 campaign directly in the Quarterfinals, ready to fight for the title once again.
Italy made a strong statement in the first edition of the SSL Gold Cup, finishing second overall and proving they could compete with the best national sailing teams in the world. Three years later, The Gladiators are back, bringing together championship experience, Olympic talent and a skipper who knows exactly what it takes to win at the highest level.
At the helm is Vasco Vascotto, one of the most accomplished figures in international sailing. With a career spanning decades and an impressive collection of world titles across multiple classes, Vascotto has built a reputation as an exceptional tactician and competitor. His experience includes major international campaigns, including the America’s Cup, and he was part of the winning crew at the 2017 SSL Finals. Having led Italy to silver in the inaugural SSL Gold Cup, he now returns with the ambition of taking the final step towards the top of the podium.
The Italian line-up features a blend of Olympic experience and proven championship pedigree. Jana Germani represents the new generation of Italian sailing talent. Competing in the 49erFX class, she has gained valuable experience at the highest level of the sport, bringing speed, technical skills and an Olympic-class background to the team.
Federica Salvà adds further versatility to the squad. With experience across several sailing classes, including 470, Nacra 17, Melges 24, J/70 and RS21, she has developed a broad understanding of different boats and racing formats. That adaptability could prove valuable in the demanding SSL Gold Cup format, where teamwork and the ability to adjust quickly are essential.
Experience is also a defining feature of the Italian crew through Michele Ivaldi. An Olympian who represented Italy at the Atlanta 1996 Games, Ivaldi has spent years competing at the highest levels of international sailing, including involvement in the America’s Cup with Luna Rossa. His knowledge of high-pressure racing environments adds another valuable dimension to the Italian campaign.
Alberto Bolzan brings an impressive record of success across the world of professional sailing. A nine-time world champion across classes including Melges 24, Melges 32 and Maxi, he has also competed twice in the Volvo Ocean Race, in the 2014-15 and 2017-18 editions. His offshore racing background and experience in demanding international campaigns add depth to a team built to handle pressure and compete at the highest level.
The Gladiators will start directly in the Quarterfinals, where they will face a decisive challenge alongside SSL Team Spain. With their silver-medal experience from 2023, a decorated skipper and a squad combining different generations and sailing backgrounds, Italy arrives in Rio with both experience and unfinished business.
The silver medallists are back. This time, The Gladiators will be looking to turn their previous success into gold.
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