London Olympics 2012: Italy's Performance After the First Two Days

The London Olympics opened on Friday night with an amazing ceremony that celebrated all the participating nations.

Italian fencers Errigo, Di Francisca and Vezzali

Occhiuzzi plays against Montano

Rosalba Forciniti

Italy can already be very proud of its athletes. In fact,  one day into the competition the Italian national athletes have won 5 medals. 

The biggest revelation came from the Italian fencers, three of which were awarded with gold, silver and bronze medals. Errigo, Vezzali and Di Francisca competed in the semifinals and finals. Di Francisca won the gold medal, Errigo the silver medal and Vezzali the bronze medal.

The “blue girls,” or as Italians call them “le azzurre,” monopolized the podium when they received their prestigious awards.

The Italian Archery team also won the gold medal, and Tesconi won the silver medal in the shooting gallery. 

The Italian women’s Volleyball team won their first game 3 to 1 against Dominican Republic. They are going to play against Japan on Monday (today).

On Sunday, Rosalba Forciniti was awarded the bronze medal for Judo, winning over Marie Muller in the 52 kg category. 

An all-Italian Saber match saw Occhiuzzi against Montano. Occhiuzzi defeated Montano and moved on to the semifinal, where he won over the Romanian Rares Dumitrescu 15 to 11. The final was won by the Hungarian athlete Szilagyi, who demonstrated great talent. Italy was awarded another silver medal. 

The Italian Water Polo team won the first match 8 to 5 over Australia. Beach volleyball players Marta Menegatti and Greta Cicolarie eliminated the Russian couple of Khomyakova and Ukolova, defeating them 2 to 1. 

Unexpectedly poor were Italy’s achievements in Swimming. Solo swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Gold medal in the 2008 Olympics, ranked 5th. The relay swim team captained by Magini didn’t do better, ranking 7th. 

The Italian men’s Volleyball team  had a negative night, losing 3 to 1 against Poland. The Polish team demonstrated a very good chemistry and strategic play.

The latest Italian winner is Nicco Campriani, awarded the silver medal in the men's 10m air rifle. Campriani is a former West Virginia University student.