Third consecutive bronze for Italy’s women’s team. Palmieri: “The progress of our players is clear in the results”

In the cheers and songs of the Italian players and the tears of Chiara Pappacena after the deciding match against Portugal for third place in the FIP World Padel Championships, there was both joy and emotion for Italy’s women’s team, led by Marcela Ferrari and Saverio Palmieri, who have now claimed a world bronze for the third time in a row. This result holds a special significance: after Doha 2021, Dubai 2022, now Doha 2024, confirming the evident growth of Italian padel. In the match for third place, played on Grand Stand 1, Italy defeated Portugal 2-1, leaving portuguese team in fourth place. Yet, according to coach Saverio Palmieri, assistant to Marcela Ferrari, the takeaway from this World Championships goes beyond the bronze medal: “It’s true that our players have confirmed their level on the world stage for the third time, but there’s a difference that truly shows growth compared to the past, and that’s how close we came in two tight matches against Argentina. However, this is just the starting point, not the finish line; I believe there’s still room to grow.”

The tie started perfectly for Italy, with a 6-3 6-1 victory from Emily Stellato and Giulia Sussarello over Clarinha Santos and Catarina Castro Vilela. However, after an almost two-hour battle, Portugal leveled the score thanks to Sofia Araújo and Patricia Ribeiro, who overcame Carolina Orsi and Carlotta Casali (6-4 7-6). Then Chiara Pappacena and Giorgia Marchetti took charge in the deciding match: facing Ana Catarina Nogueira and Catarina Santos Domingos, Pappacena and Marchetti dominated the first set (winning 6-1), and though the second set was more evenly matched, Italy managed to close it out (6-3). After the final point, the celebration began, with Pappacena’s tears and the usual joyful enthusiasm of Marchetti, Orsi, Stellato, Parmigiani, Casali, Sussarello, and Vano.