You can win by losing

ADOSINI In a round of the Under 20 Women's Epee World Cup, Mariaclotilde Adosini, born in 2005 with Polisportiva Bergamo, faces the French standard-bearer Juliette Baudinot. It is a balanced assault, which ends with the victory of the blue for 15-14. But shortly afterwards an error is discovered: the referee, at 13-12, had awarded 2 hits to Adosini, who, with noble fair play, agrees to fight, and loses. The audience applauds. MOVING

GOGGIA She had raised the Women's Ski World Cup 3 times: in 2018, 2021 and 2022. But the "queen" Sofia Goggia is not one to be satisfied and, after being an Olympic gold medalist, she also won the fourth title, an expression of extraordinary professional seriousness. The encore was achieved by Isolde Kostner in 2001 and 2002, but poker is only from Bergamo, who equaled the Swiss Michela Figini and the German Katja Seizinger. UNCONTINABLE

CECCARELLI It already seemed like science fiction to see an Italian, in the 100 metres, on the first step of the Olympic podium. But seeing another blue in front of the Five Circles champion has a certain effect. And yet, it happened, because Samuele Ceccarelli (in 6"48) beat Marcell Jacobs (in 6"50) in the 60 meters of the Euroindoor in Istanbul. It is clear that the tricolor school is beginning to bear fruit, where, until recently, it was dry land. AMAZING

DAUSES Father Jeffrey Dauses, parish priest of the "Immaculate Heart of Mary" in Baynesville (Maryland United States) was busy with some errands when he thought that a meteorite had landed on his car. In reality, it was a baseball, coming from a nearby stadium, "shot" by a star of that sport: Troy Stokes Jr. Now, that ball is on display in the priest's study, with a nice dedication from the champion. LUCKY

FANCHINI The skier Elena Fanchini, after being diagnosed with colon cancer, had accepted the invitation of the Italian Association for Research against Cancer to become a testimonial, and she had spent herself making Italians aware of the importance of prevention. She seemed healed, but the evil came back, and she condemned her to leave us. Surely we will always remember her for her admirable and infectious selflessness. GENEROUS

MAZZOCCHI Pasquale Mazzocchi is one of the revelations of Salerno, he was born in Naples and is 27 years old. He was called up to the national team by Mancini, and made his debut against Hungary. He has a peculiarity: a large tattoo, which entirely covers his back, and which depicts the face of Jesus. Pasquale has a fervent faith and a solid morality, but he does not like to talk about these spiritual topics. He prefers to keep the more personal aspects to himself. DEVOTED

ODIASE Who are the twenty-year-old Italians of today? They are no longer just what one could imagine 30-40 years ago. Now there are the "new Italians" of mixed or different origins. David Odiase was born in Crema to Nigerian parents, and wears the shirt of the national under 20 rugby team. He is a giant of 1.89 meters for 107 kilos and, despite his roots, he had the tricolor tattooed on his skin. Sometimes it is problematic to "become" Italian, but not for him. PATRIOTIC

Carlo Nesti

NP Aprile 2023