Italian Paralympic Table Soccer Federation: Great Plays in Jesolo at the Italian Championships

Three days of competition, interaction, and sharing transformed Jesolo into the Italian capital of Paralympic table soccer. The 2026 Italian Championships of the Italian Paralympic Table Soccer Federation (FPICB) came to a close at Villaggio Marzotto, bringing together athletes and clubs from various Italian regions.

The event was marked by hard-fought matches and high-level play, as well as respect among opponents, fair play, and the values of inclusion and friendship that underpin the growth of the FPICB movement.

The Italian team title was won by the “Siamo Noi” team from ASD Abruzzo Multisport, composed of Corrado Montecaggi, Luciano Gigante, Roberto Panosetti, and Giacomo Paolo Rossi. POLHA Varese finished in second place, while ASD Mediterranea rounded out the podium.

In the ITSF Italian Doubles Championship, the title went to Francesco Perin and Vito Loris Bonaldo of ASD La Barena di Jesolo. Paolo De Florio and Angelita Alves took second place, ahead of Francesco Valente of ASD Gli Audaci and Domenico Smario.

The Italian RNU Doubles title was won by the Sicilian duo of Domenico Smario, an athlete from ASD In Movimento, and Daniele Costantino of ASD Mediterranea, following a particularly hard-fought final. Second place went to Paolo De Florio and Angelita Alves of POLHA Varese, while Corrado Montecaggi and Giacomo Paolo Rossi of ASD Abruzzo Multisport finished in third place.

Roberto Silvestro once again proved to be one of the standout performers in the individual events. The veteran athlete from POLHA Varese triumphed in both the TS1 RNU Single Sculls and the TS1 ITSF Single Sculls, winning a double gold medal ahead of Marcello Izzo and Alen Sonza in both events.

In the TS2 RNU Single Sculls, the victory went to Luciano Gigante, ahead of Christian Guizzardi and Francesco Perin. The latter went on to claim the ITSF title in the same category, ahead of Francesco Valente and Efisio Tidu.

In the TS3 RNU Singles, Domenico Smario took the top spot, followed by Corrado Montecaggi and Rosario Di Dio. Montecaggi, on the other hand, claimed the ITSF TS3 Singles title, ahead of Smario himself and Paolo De Florio.

In the women’s competition, Angelita Alves took the top spot on the podium. Behind her were Laura Sabbioni and Ilenia Cordin. The presentation of the athletes of national interest and the awarding of the national team jersey were among the most emotional moments of the entire event, highlighting the Federation’s commitment to fostering the growth of women’s sports.

Significant attention was also given to athletes with intellectual and relational disabilities. In the DIR standings, first place went to Mediterranea Sport, ahead of Ravanusa, another team from Mediterranea Sport, and CFPIL Varese. Their participation once again confirmed table soccer’s ability to bring together people with various disabilities within a single, great sporting experience.

“Jesolo gave us three intense and emotionally charged days,” commented FPICB President Francesco Bonanno. We witnessed high-level competition, but the most important outcome was the atmosphere of friendship, respect, and camaraderie that developed among the athletes. Our movement continues to grow through the passion of the clubs, the work of the organizers, and the support of those who believe in the true value of Paralympic sport. My thanks go to the athletes, those who worked behind the scenes, our supporters, and everyone who chose to attend. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to the city and the municipal administration of Jesolo, who once again welcomed us.”

The event opened with the official ceremony, hosted by Matteo Schinaia (with direction by Fabrizio Gulmini and Marco Bertelli), which brought together institutions, partners, clubs, and representatives from the Paralympic world. Following remarks by FPICB President Francesco Bonanno, Roberto Volpe, CEO of the Marzotto Foundation, took the floor. Also speaking were Lucas Pavanetto, Vice President of the Veneto Region; Alessandra Pasqual, Jesolo City Councilmember; Davide Giorgi, President of CIP Veneto; Francesco Ambrosio, President of FISDIR; and Eddi Frezza, Director of Social and Health Services for ULSS 4 Veneto Orientale. Also in attendance at the ceremony were Luciano Teso, a representative from the Jesolo chapter of the National Association of Italian Sailors, and sponsor representatives Riccardo Vizzi of Studio3A, Alessandro Borettaz of Roberto Sport, and Fabio Ferraris of Handytech.

Special thanks were extended to Roberto Volpe and Villaggio Marzotto for their hospitality and support, as well as to the Italian Paralympic Committee for its support of and commitment to the FPICB and the development of Paralympic table soccer.

Jesolo also provided an opportunity to present a project dedicated to blind and visually impaired people. Giovanni Castiglione, president of APD Ciechi e Ipovedenti Sportivi Varesini, and member Gaetano Marchetto demonstrated how a specially adapted table works, thanks to modifications designed by the FPICB. A central element of the project is “Trilla Balilla 3.0,” a special electronic sound ball that allows athletes to follow the game through sound. The first foosball table designed specifically for blind people represents another step toward an increasingly accessible sport, in which technology and innovation are put to work in the service of sports and inclusion.

Finally, the FPICB thanked its sponsors—Studio3A, Handytech, OffCarr, Autonomy, ATI Group, Macron, Roberto Sport, and Kepalla.it—along with its partners SuperAbile INAIL, Omnia Eventi Comunicazione, Ki.Fra Comunicazione & Eventi, Triptop, Calciobalilla24, and Golee.

The FPICB’s next event is the Italian Elite Super Cup, which will be held this coming November in the Lake Maggiore area (the specific location and date will be announced shortly).