Federica Brignone: Francesca Marsaglia’s remarks fuel the debate

There is still no specific date for Federica Brignone’s return to competition, and the 2026–2027 Alpine Ski World Cup season has, in fact, begun without the “Tiger of Valle d’Aosta.” However, speculation and questions continue to swirl around her recovery, especially after the Italian champion herself explained that she is ready to return only on the condition that she won’t have to live with pain.

The issue inevitably fuels debate among fans and insiders, and even more so following the comments made by her former national teammate Francesca Marsaglia to Fanpage. “In August, she told me, ‘I tried skiing, but I wouldn’t have been able to make it through the season’ because of the pain. She’s had her cast removed and is going through the full physical therapy regimen. She’ll be back on skis soon, but I don’t know when yet. Off the slopes, she’s finally feeling good,” explained Marsaglia, who spent many years on the national team alongside Federica Brignone.

However, there remains a significant concern: “Skiing is unique,” said the 36-year-old former Italian national team member, “the vibrations and stress on the snow can’t be replicated in the gym. Until she puts on her skis, we won’t know anything. I do feel she’s very at peace, though—she’s been that way since last year. She’s found a mental balance: she doesn’t really care about external expectations. She wants to keep going because she enjoys it, and she’ll do so as long as she can do it with a smile and not with pain.”

“Last year, she gave it her all to fight the pain and the demons in her head. This year, without the Olympic goal in Italy, I sense she’s more relaxed. She has extraordinary determination, but also the clarity to say, ‘If it goes well, I’m happy; if not, I’ve done everything I could,’” Marsaglia concluded.

Marsaglia’s comments are bound to further fuel the debate among fans. On one hand, there’s the anticipation of seeing one of the greatest Italian skiers of all time back on the slopes; on the other, the awareness that Brignone has no intention of compromising her physical well-being. Her return will come only when she feels ready; until then, every update on her condition will certainly continue to spark discussion among fans and industry insiders.