European Aquatics Championships: Italy Wins Gold in Paris Mixed Team Diving

Italy claimed gold in the opening team event at the European Aquatics Championships on July 31, 2026, scoring 410.60 points at the Centre Aquatique Olympique in Saint-Denis, according to official competition results. The squad featured Chiara Pellacani, Matteo Santoro, Sarah Jodoin Di Maria, and seventeen-year-old debutant Raffaele Pelligra, who stepped in following a last-minute injury to platform diver Riccardo Giovannini.

Italy Takes Early Lead Through Pellacani and Santoro

The competition opened with a mixed format requiring each athlete to execute dives from both the 3-meter springboard and the 10-meter platform, alongside two synchronized routines. Chiara Pellacani set an early pace for the Italian team with a dive that earned 69.75 points. Matteo Santoro followed with a reverse 3.5 somersault valued at 63.00 points. According to competition records, the pair then combined for 66 points in their 3-meter synchronized dive, placing Italy second overall behind the Neutral Independent Athletes from Russia (203.30 points) at the halfway mark.

Pelligra and Jodoin Di Maria Secure Decisive Advantage

Shifting to the 10-meter platform, Sarah Jodoin Di Maria scored 72 points on a double backward somersault with a 1.5 twist. Raffaele Pelligra, making his senior European debut at seventeen years old, delivered 74.25 points on a backward 3.5 somersault that included an 8 from the judges. Technical Director Oscar Bertone noted that Jodoin Di Maria competed despite recovering from a recent wrist injury that sidelined her a month prior. Following a lower scoring round from the Russian team’s Ruslan Ternovoi on the platform, Italy moved into first place heading into the final rotation.

Synchro Finale Seals Gold Medal Victory

In the concluding synchronized platform rotation, Jodoin Di Maria and Pelligra secured the victory with a score of 65.60 points on their synchronized back 2.5 somersault with a 1.5 twist. The Russian pairing of Beliaeva and Ternovoi finished with 385.80 points to take the silver medal, while Ukraine claimed bronze with 368.20 points. Technical Director Oscar Bertone stated that the gold medal reflected consistent preparation rather than chance, while Pelligra remarked that the event marked a vital step in his senior career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the team event at the European Aquatics Championships?

Italy won the gold medal in the team event with 410.60 points, ahead of the Neutral Independent Athletes from Russia in second and Ukraine in third, according to official results.

Who competed for the Italian team?

The winning squad consisted of Chiara Pellacani, Matteo Santoro, Sarah Jodoin Di Maria, and debutant Raffaele Pelligra.

What was the final point total for the winning Italian team?

The Italian team finished with a total score of 410.60 points.