Sarah Rizea is Miss Italy 2026: The 18-year-old swimmer from the Fiamme Oro wins the crown

Sarah Rizea is the new Miss Italy. The 18-year-old from Vado Ligure, in the province of Savona, was crowned Miss Italy 2026 at the end of the finals, held at the Castello di Santa Severa and hosted by Giulia Salemi. Rizea represented Liguria as Miss Liguria and managed to stand out among the 16 contestants who reached the final round of the 80th edition of the pageant.

The new Miss Italia combines her university studies with a successful athletic career. She is, in fact, an artistic swimmer and competes with the senior national team and with the Fiamme Oro of the State Police. Her competitive career has allowed her to develop coordination, discipline, mental endurance, and stage presence—qualities she also brought to the pageant stage.

With this victory, Sarah Rizea takes the crown from Katia Buticchio, winner of the previous edition. The 18-year-old from Liguria took first place in the final standings. Behind her was Michela Meli, representing Lazio, a 21-year-old who is completing her degree in Food Science.

Rounding out the podium was Sara Genova, a 20-year-old from Calabria who attends a science high school with a sports track and plays volleyball in Serie B for Corigliano Rossano.