Seventh Italian title for Assunta Galeone in Rome

At the Italian Championships this weekend in Ostia, near Rome, Assunta Galeone won her seventh title. The judoka from Napoli took the gold in PalaPellicone by defeating Valeria Ferrari in the final. Galeone won her first title in 2008. Assunta Galeone: "This race I lived in a very quiet, but I'm doing the same way with all the other things in my life. The next meeting is to Oberwart, then we'll see, but in the meantime I thank the Guardia di Finanza and the important teamwork is being done."

The U63kg gold was captured by Maria Centracchio, competing in a new category. The 22-year old Centracchio defeated Alessia Regis in the decision to win her second title. Maria Centracchio: "Winning this title in this category was a result that I tried. I made a choice, I took my responsibilities and today I came here to win and I did. Every encounter has had its history, but what matters is that I felt much better than the races I've done in the 57 kg. Yes, I am satisfied."

The championships are important in the selection process for the European Open in Oberwart in February in two weeks time. The first three in each category qualify; for the men the first five spots qualify for the European Open in Rome.

Francesca Giorda qualified for sure in the 52kg division due to her gold medal on Sunday. She bested Giulia Pierucci in the final. Francesca Giorda said, "It was good, because it confirmed it is a different emotion of the first win I had the pleasure of tasting last year. And if at that time I dedicated the victory to my grandparents, this time I want to dedicate myself, for all the effort that I put there."

In the lightweight division U48kg Francesca Milani defeated Michela Fiorini. Milani: "I am very happy, and I feel like saying: finally! It's been so long since I feel it could do it; finally, the time has come and I am happy ".

Assunta Galeone won the category U78kg against Valeria Ferrari. Carola Paissoni: "I am very happy for this overall title, but with this are three. It is the third! I honestly did not expect, although I am aware of my ability, but I'm going to Oberwart and I'm ready. The goal is to win there, too. "

Heavyweight Eleonora Geri took the gold +78 kg. Geri reacted: "The Absolute title is always a tough race, it puts so much pressure, so many expectations, but in the end it went well this time. So I won for the second time and I dedicate this medal to my current team, the Police and the previous one. Now I wait for the European Open in Oberwart and although I'm a first year senior I put into play without anxiety in the international circuit. "

The best surprise of the day was the victory of 17-year old Silvia Pellitteri catching her first title. She overcame Sofia Fiora in the final. Youngster Silvia Pellitteri said: "This is my first Italian title and is something that seemed impossible, but here I am, I got here! Next target in Oberwart? Yes, so it seems, but I have yet to realize what happened, I do not know what to say. My thought is for my coach and my mom.”