If we're being completely honest, the country of Italy is HORRIBLE at track and field. On my life, I've never once heard "this Italian runner is up next". They really aren't competitive with the other top EU squads.
However, in Olympic years, they go crazy.
National records in 2021 (Tokyo)
Men's: Marcel Jacobs (100m), Paolo Dal Molin (110 hurdles), Yemaneberhan Crippa (3000m), 4x100, 4x400
Women's: Luminosa Bogliolo (110 hurdles)
National records in 2024 (Paris)
Men's: Pietro Arese (1500m), Yemaneberhan Crippa (Marathon), Alessandro Sibilio (400m hurdles), Leonardo Fabbri (Shot put)
Women's: Zaynab Dosso (100m), Nadia Battocletti (5000m) Many records set between 2021-2024 (at worlds)
Anyone with any sense can see what's going on here. This country can't run and has magically turned up in 2 consecutive Olympic years... They have no development and apart from the 2 most recent EU championships they've had no drip...
Medal count for EU Championships
2024 (20) -- 2022 (11) -- 2018 (6) -- 2016 (5) -- 2014 (3) -- 2012 (3) -- 2010 (8) -- 2008 (3)
Seriously pathetic operations from this country. #BanItaly