ROME (ITALPRESS) – As the four-year period leading up to the Los Angeles 2028 Games begins, Italy taekwondo inaugurates the Fujairah Open 2025 with three medals on the first day of competition. Taking center stage is Simone Alessio, who won gold in the -87 kg on his debut in the new category, confirming his value at the international level. The Paris Olympic bronze medalist advances without difficulty, getting through the round of 16 by abandoning his opponent and imposing himself in the quarters with a solid victory over Poland’s Szymon Piatkowski. In the semifinals he faces the first of two Iranian opponents, Mohammad Hossein Yazdani, ending the bout with a clear 2 rounds to 0. In the final he faced Ali Ahmadi, in a hard-fought match that was resolved in the third round. After a balanced confrontation, the Italian managed to find the right spaces to strike and close the bout in a comeback 2 rounds to 1, winning the gold medal. “I am happy to have started this new journey this way, especially because my mother pointed out to me that today is exactly six months since the Olympic medal. After a post-Games break, this was a first test in the new category,” Alessio said, “I am satisfied with the result and how I handled the difficulties, but I know I can do better. Between now and the World Championship in October, which is the real goal, there is still a lot to work on.” Completing the Italian podium were the bronze medals of Dennis Baretta in the -63 kg and Mattia Molin in the +87 kg. Tomorrow the Italian team will return to competition with the women’s categories, with six athletes ready to take to the square to enrich the medal table.- photo Fita press office -(ITALPRESS).
