Italy is home to a number of world-class figure skaters. From Olympic champions to world record holders, Italy boasts a robust history of producing some of the best ice skaters in the world.
From their commitment to training and practice to their strength of character, the skaters on this list have all achieved remarkable success throughout their careers. Here are the best figure skaters in Italy.
1. Arianna Fontana
Arianna Fontana is an Italian short track speed skater who has had a remarkable career, having won eleven Olympic medals so far. Two of these medals are gold, both in the 500m short track event.
The first gold medal came at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where she won the 500m short track event. This was followed by another gold medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
It is clear that Arianna Fontana is a talented athlete and has made a great contribution to the sport of short track speed skating. She is a role model for aspiring athletes and an inspiration to many.
2. Alessia Tornaghi
Alessia Tornaghi is a renowned Italian figure skater who has achieved great success in her sport. She is a two-time Italian national champion, having won the coveted title in both 2018 and 2019.
Furthermore, she was the 2019 Golden Bear of Zagreb champion, a competition that features some of the best figure skaters from around the world.
On the junior level, she is the 2019 JGP Italy bronze medalist, a remarkable accomplishment that speaks to her talent and determination. Alessia is a hardworking athlete who is making a name for herself in the world of figure skating.
3. Carolina Moscheni
Carolina Moscheni is a retired Italian ice dancer who experienced success throughout her career. With her first partner, Francesco Fioretti, she achieved two silver medals at the Italian national level.
Later, with her partner Andrea Fabbri, she was awarded a bronze medal at the 2019 Italian national level. This demonstrated Carolina’s abilities to perform well at the top level of ice dancing and to adjust her style to different partners.
Carolina’s commitment and dedication to her craft over the years was rewarded with these medals, and she can be proud of her achievements.
4. Gabriele Frangipani
Gabriele Frangipani is an Italian figure skater who has had tremendous success in the sport. In 2019, he won the silver medal at the Toruń Cup, followed by another silver medal at the 2020 Nebelhorn Trophy.
He has also won three bronze medals at the Italian national championships and claimed two titles as the Italian national junior champion.
His accomplishments have extended to the international level as well, where he has competed in the European Figure Skating Championships and finished in the top fifteen. This is a remarkable feat for a figure skater of any age, let alone someone from Italy.
His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. He has demonstrated a clear commitment to excellence and is an inspiration to aspiring figure skaters in Italy and beyond.
5. Carlo Fassi
Carlo Fassi was an accomplished figure skater and coach who left a lasting legacy in the sport. Born in Italy, Fassi was a ten-time Italian national champion and a two-time European champion as a single skater. He also won the bronze medal at the 1953 World Championships.
Throughout his career, Fassi was known for his innovative choreography and attention to detail. After retiring from singles competition, Fassi began coaching and was soon regarded as one of the top coaches in the world.
He coached many of the world’s most renowned figure skaters and helped them to achieve success at the World and Olympic levels.
Some of his most famous students included Olympic champions John Curry and Robin Cousins, and World champions Linda Fratianne and Jan Hoffmann. Fassi’s coaching style was characterized by his emphasis on creativity and attention to detail.
He was also known for his innovative choreography, which helped his students to stand out.
He was also known for his ability to spot talent and had a knack for developing young skaters into world-class athletes. Throughout his career, Fassi was highly respected and admired by his peers, students, and fans alike.
He was an influential figure in the sport and his legacy continues to live on through the success of his students.
6. Alessandro Fadini
Alessandro Fadini is an accomplished Italian figure skater. He has achieved a great deal of success in the senior international skating circuit, winning a total of seven medals.
His impressive list of accomplishments includes medals at the Dragon Trophy, Egna Spring Trophy, Triglav Trophy, and Skate Celje. At the Dragon Trophy, Fadini won a silver medal in the men’s singles competition.
This event is held in the Netherlands and is a part of the ISU Challenger Series. He also achieved a silver medal at the Egna Spring Trophy, which is held in Italy. The Triglav Trophy, located in Slovenia, is where Fadini earned a bronze medal in the men’s singles competition.
In addition, he won a bronze medal at the Skate Celje event, which is also held in Slovenia. Fadini’s impressive seven senior international medals demonstrate his skill and talent in the figure skating world.
His dedication and hard work has been rewarded with numerous victories, placing him among the top figure skaters in Italy and the world.
7. Daniel Grassl
Daniel Grassl is an extremely accomplished figure skater from Italy. He has achieved tremendous success in his career, representing his country with pride. In 2022, he won the silver medal at the European Championships and the MK John Wilson Trophy.
Additionally, in 2019, he won the bronze medal at the World Junior Championships. He is also a four-time Italian National Champion, having won this title on four occasions.In addition to his notable accomplishments, Grassl has also won ten senior international medals.
This includes gold medals at four ISU Challenger Series events. This is a remarkable feat, and it speaks to the hard work and dedication that Grassl has put into his skating career.
His success is an inspiration to aspiring figure skaters around the world and a testament to the power of perseverance.
8. Lucrezia Gennaro
Lucrezia Gennaro is an Italian figure skater who has achieved considerable success in her career. In 2018, she won two prestigious titles, the Triglav Trophy and the EduSport Trophy. She also earned a silver medal at the Denkova-Staviski Cup in the same year.
The following year proved to be just as successful for Gennaro as she was awarded a silver medal at the Sofia Trophy and the Open Ice Mall Cup.
Her hard work and dedication have been rewarded with these impressive accolades, making her a respected figure in the figure skating world.
9. Elisabetta Leccardi
Elisabetta Leccardi is an Italian figure skater who has achieved much success in her career. She is the 2018 Jégvirág Cup champion, having defeated her opponents to take the top prize.
Additionally, she was awarded the silver medal at the 2018 Sofia Trophy and the bronze medal at the 2018 Christmas Cup.
She also took third place in the 2017 Italian National Championships. Leccardi has made an impression on the international stage, having competed in the final segment of events at two International Skating Union (ISU) Championships.
This includes the 2018 World Championships, where she was able to demonstrate her impressive skills on the ice. Her success at this event further solidifies her standing as one of Italy’s leading figure skaters.
10. Nikolaj Memola
Nikolaj Memola is an accomplished Italian figure skater. He has achieved a great deal of success in his career, having won numerous medals in some of the most prestigious competitions.
At the 2023 World University Games, Memola earned the bronze medal, a highly sought-after honor. Additionally, Memola has won two bronze medals in the ISU Challenger Series, further cementing his impressive figure skating credentials.
He also earned the silver medal at the 2023 Italian national figure skating championships, a testament to his skill and dedication. Clearly, Nikolaj Memola is a figure skater to be admired and respected.
11. Marina Piredda
Marina Piredda is an Italian figure skater who has achieved a great deal of success throughout her career. In 2019, Piredda won the Toruń Cup, becoming the champion of the event. Additionally, she earned a bronze medal at the Cup of Tyrol and a bronze medal at the Dragon Trophy.
Her most recent accomplishment was in 2020 when she became the silver medalist at the Italian National Figure Skating Championships. Piredda is an experienced figure skater and has been competing since at least 2018.
She has had a string of impressive performances and continues to be a dominant force in the sport. Her skills and determination have earned her many medals in her career, and she is sure to continue to make a name for herself in the figure skating world.
12. Anna Pezzetta
Anna Pezzetta is an Italian figure skater who has achieved tremendous success in her sport. In 2022, she made history by becoming the CS Ice Challenge champion, a prestigious figure skating competition.
She also achieved great success at the Italian national level that same year, winning the silver medal. Continuing her streak of success, Anna went on to win the bronze medal at the Italian national competition in 2023.
Anna Pezzetta is a remarkable athlete who has made a name for herself in the world of figure skating. Her dedication and hard work have earned her the admiration of fans and fellow athletes alike.
13. Franca Bianconi
Franca Anna Bianconi Manni is an Italian figure skating coach and former competitor. She is highly respected in the figure skating community for her decades of dedication to the sport. Manni began skating as a child and trained with some of the best coaches in Italy.
She competed in several international competitions, including the 1980 Winter Olympics. At the Olympics, she placed in the top ten, demonstrating her talent and skill. Manni retired from competitive skating after the Olympics and began coaching.
She has been coaching for over 30 years, and during that time, she has helped many young skaters reach their goals. She is known for her technical expertise and her ability to bring out the best in her students.
Manni has been recognized for her achievements with numerous awards, including the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
She is an inspiration to many in the figure skating community and is admired for her passion and dedication to the sport.
14. Matteo Rizzo
Matteo Rizzo is an Italian figure skater whose career is filled with impressive accomplishments. He is a two-time European Championship medalist, having taken home the silver and bronze medals in successive years.
Additionally, he is a three-time Grand Prix bronze medalist, showing his versatility and consistent performance in different competitions. Rizzo was also the 2019 Winter Universiade champion, a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
At the Italian national level, he was crowned champion twice and was also awarded seven silver medals, making him one of the most decorated figure skaters in Italy’s history.
His impressive achievements demonstrate his commitment to the sport and his ability to excel at the highest level.
15. Giada Russo
Giada Russo is an accomplished Italian figure skater. She has competed at the highest levels of the sport and achieved impressive results. Russo is a two-time Italian National Champion, having won the title in 2017 and 2018.
She has also won nine senior international medals, making her one of Italy’s most decorated figure skaters. In addition, Russo has achieved the remarkable feat of qualifying for the free skate at two ISU Championships.
This is a difficult challenge and demonstrates her skill at the highest level. Her dedication to the sport has helped her to achieve success and recognition both in Italy and internationally.
Giada Russo is an inspiration to aspiring figure skaters and her impressive achievements serve as a reminder of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
16. Guia Maria Tagliapietra
Guia Maria Tagliapietra is a prominent figure skater from Italy. She has enjoyed a great deal of success over the course of her career, having earned three senior international medals and the 2014 Italian national junior title.
In 2015, Tagliapietra achieved a remarkable feat by placing 15th at the World Junior Championships in Tallinn, Estonia. This impressive result demonstrated her capability to compete at the highest level and serve as a testament to her immense talent.
Tagliapietra has consistently proven herself to be a competitive presence in the figure skating world and has established herself as one of the top Italian skaters.
17. Ondřej Hotárek
Ondřej Hotárek is a professional figure skater and coach from the Czech Republic and Italy. He began competing for Italy in 2006, partnering with Valentina Marchei.
Together, the pair competed in various international competitions, including the World Figure Skating Championships and the European Figure Skating Championships.
They also competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Hotárek and Marchei were successful in their partnership, earning many accolades and medals.
They won the bronze medal at the 2016 European Figure Skating Championships and placed fourth at the 2017 World Figure Skating Championships.
Hotárek and Marchei had a successful run until the end of their partnership in 2018. After their split, Hotárek began coaching and is currently the coach of the Italian National Team.
He is also a coach for many of his former competitors, including his previous partner, Valentina Marchei. Hotárek is highly respected in the figure skating community, and his knowledge and expertise are invaluable.
18. Nicole Della Monica
Nicole Della Monica is a retired Italian pair skater who has achieved a great deal of success throughout her career. She and her former partner, Matteo Guarise, are seven-time Italian national champions and have represented Italy at three Winter Olympics.
In 2014, Nicole and Matteo competed at the Sochi Olympic Games, and then again in 2018 at the Pyeongchang Games. Most recently, they competed at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, making them the only pair skaters from Italy to represent the country at three consecutive Winter Games.
Their accomplishments have inspired the next generation of Italian skaters to strive for greatness. Nicole and Matteo’s legacy in Italian figure skating will continue to live on for many years to come.
19. Anna Cappellini
Anna Cappellini is an Italian ice dancer of world-renowned acclaim. She is best known for her partnership with Luca Lanotte, with whom she has earned many accolades.
Together, they are the 2014 World champions, the 2014 European champions, the 2015 Cup of China champions, and a thirteen-time medalist on the Grand Prix series.
Anna is also a seven-time Italian national champion. Anna is a powerful and talented skater whose hard work and dedication have earned her a place in the history books.
Her success with Luca Lanotte has been especially impressive, with the duo taking home a total of four major championship titles. Their Grand Prix series medal tally is also remarkable, demonstrating their prowess on the ice.
Anna is an inspirational figure, not just for her impressive skills, but for her determination and commitment to the sport. Anna Cappellini’s career has been a testament to the success that comes with dedication and hard work.
Her impressive list of achievements is a testament to her talent, and her accomplishments in the ice dancing world are sure to be admired for years to come.
20. Luca Lanotte
Luca Lanotte is an Italian former ice dancer who achieved a great deal of success with partner Anna Cappellini. Together, they are the 2014 World champions, 2014 European champions, 2015 Cup of China champions, and thirteen-time medalists on the Grand Prix series.
They are also seven-time Italian national champions. Their titles and awards demonstrate their hard work and dedication to the sport of ice dancing. Luca and Anna have been skating together since 2010 and have consistently placed in the top tiers of international competitions.
At the 2014 World Championships in Saitama, Japan, they placed first in the short dance and second in the free dance, leading to their first World Championship title.
Later that same year, they earned their first European Championship title in Budapest. In 2015, Luca and Anna won gold at the Cup of China, becoming the first Italian ice dancers to win a Grand Prix title.
They also won several medals on the Grand Prix series, including gold medals at Skate America and the NHK Trophy. Luca and Anna have also been seven-time Italian national champions.
They won their first national title in 2011 and went on to win five consecutive titles from 2013-2017. Luca and Anna have enjoyed a great deal of success in their ice dancing career. Their hard work and dedication to the sport has led to multiple titles, awards, and medals.
They have made history as the first Italian ice dancers to win a Grand Prix title and have become seven-time Italian national champions.
21. Carolina Kostner
Carolina Kostner is an Italian figure skater who has achieved significant success throughout her career. She won the bronze medal at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, just missing out on a silver medal.
In 2012, she won the World Championship title and added five European Championship titles to her name in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012, and 2013. She also won the Grand Prix Final in 2011, cementing her place as one of the best figure skaters in the world.
Her impressive resume of achievements highlights her talent and dedication to the sport, and she has become an inspiration for aspiring figure skaters around the world.
22. Rebecca Ghilardi
Rebecca Ghilardi is an Italian pair skater who has achieved many successes in her career. She and her partner, Filippo Ambrosini, are the 2023 European silver medalists, 2022 Grand Prix of Espoo champions, and five-time ISU Challenger Series medalists.
In addition, Ghilardi and Ambrosini have earned five silver medals at the Italian National Championships. Their efforts were rewarded when they were selected to represent Italy at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
The pair have consistently demonstrated their skill, determination, and commitment to excellence, establishing themselves as one of the top pair skating duos in Italy.
Ghilardi and Ambrosini are a shining example of the power of teamwork and dedication in the world of competitive figure skating.
23. Massimo Scali
Massimo Scali is a renowned figure in the ice dancing world. He is an Italian former competitive ice dancer who had a successful career with his partner Federica Faiella.
Together, they achieved impressive accolades such as being the 2010 World bronze medalist, a two-time European silver medalist, and a six-time Italian national champion. Additionally, they have managed to win eleven Grand Prix medals.
This is an impressive achievement and is testament to the skill and dedication of Scali and Faiella. Scali and Faiella have been skating together since 2004 and have competed at several international competitions.
Their partnership has been successful as they have consistently won medals at events such as the European Championships, the World Championships and the Grand Prix.
They have also been recognized as one of the best ice dancing teams in Italy and have won six Italian National Championships. The pinnacle of their career came in 2010 when they won the bronze medal at the World Championships.
This was a significant achievement as the World Championships is one of the most prestigious competitions in ice dancing. It is also an indication of the high level of skill and technique that Scali and Faiella possess. Overall, Massimo Scali is a highly accomplished ice dancer.
With his partner, Federica Faiella, he has been able to achieve a great deal of success. They have won numerous medals at international competitions and have even been crowned Italian National Champions.
This is a testament to their skill and dedication and is a reminder of why Scali is one of the most influential ice dancers of all time.
24. Samuel Contesti
Samuel Contesti is a former competitive figure skater with a unique background: he was born in France but competed for Italy after the 2006-2007 season. This made him the only figure skater to have competed for two different countries in the same sport.
He achieved great success in his figure skating career, becoming the 2009 European silver medalist and a five-time Italian national champion.
Contesti was a highly accomplished skater, possessing a combination of technical and artistic skills that allowed him to reach a high level of competitiveness. He was also known for his ability to bring a unique energy to the ice, which was a key factor in his success.
His career came to an end in 2012 when he announced his retirement from competitive figure skating. Contesti’s legacy as a skater will live on for years to come, as a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
25. Nicola Rodigari
Nicola Rodigari is a talented Italian short track speed skater who has had the privilege to compete in three Olympic games. He was born in Tirano, Italy, and first competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics, followed by the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics.
During the 2002 Winter Olympics, he was part of the Italian relay team which won the silver medal in the 5000 metre relay competition. This was a great achievement for Rodigari and the entire Italian team.
He has since gone on to compete in a variety of competitions and is still actively competing in short track speed skating. His impressive career is a testament to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.
26. Yannick Kocon
Yannick Kocon is a French former pair skater who competed for Italy with his partner Nicole Della Monica. The successful pair won four international medals and the Italian national title twice.
At the 2009 European Championships, they placed 6th and repeated this success the following year, demonstrating their consistent excellence.
Furthermore, in 2010, Kocon and Della Monica achieved an impressive 12th place at the Winter Olympic Games, a fantastic result for the pair.
As a result of their success, Kocon and Della Monica have established themselves as two of the most prominent names in the Italian pair skating world.
27. Barbara Baldissera
Barbara Baldissera is a former short track speed skater from Italy. She was an accomplished athlete in her heyday, having competed at two Winter Olympics. Baldissera made her Olympic debut in Lillehammer, Norway at the 1994 Winter Olympics.
She was able to compete in two different events, the 500m and 1000m, and placed 25th and 18th respectively. She was able to build on her Olympic experience four years later, competing in the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
This time she was able to place much higher in the 500m, finishing 13th, and the 1000m, coming in at 10th place. Despite not winning any medals, it was a significant achievement for the Italian skater.
Barbara Baldissera was a great example of dedication and hard work, and she made her country proud with her performances at the Winter Olympics.
28. Cecilia Maffei
Cecilia Maffei is a professional athlete from Italy. She specializes in short track speed skating, a sport which requires athletes to race around a small oval ice track.
Short track speed skating combines the speed and agility of ice skating with the strategy and tactics of racing.
It is an individual sport, but athletes often work together in teams to achieve the best possible results. Cecilia Maffei has been a competitive athlete for many years, competing in both individual and team events.
She has won several national and international competitions in the past, demonstrating her ability to perform at the highest level.
In addition to her competitive career, she has also been involved in teaching and coaching, passing her knowledge and experience on to the next generation of speed skaters. Cecilia Maffei is an inspiration to many young athletes, and her dedication and hard work have been an example of what it takes to succeed in the sport.
She is an example of hard work, determination, and passion, and she has been able to achieve great success in her chosen sport.
29. Yuri Confortola
Yuri Confortola is an impressive and accomplished short-track speed skater. He has represented Italy in the Winter Olympics a remarkable five times, having competed in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 Olympic Games.
His achievements in his sport are truly remarkable, as he has managed to compete in the Olympics on five separate occasions over the span of sixteen years. This is a testament to his skill, dedication, and hard work as an athlete as well as his commitment to his country.
It is clear that Yuri Confortola has a passion for the sport of short-track speed skating, and his dedication has been rewarded with five Olympic appearances.
His legacy as an athlete is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes and a reminder of the power of dedication and hard work.
30. Martina Valcepina
Martina Valcepina is a world-renowned Italian short-track speed skater. She has achieved remarkable success in the sport, winning many medals and awards. Her sister, Arianna Valcepina, is also an accomplished short-track speed skater.
The two sisters have both represented Italy in international competitions and have made a name for themselves in the short-track speed skating world. Martina and Arianna Valcepina have both been successful in their respective careers.
They have both been successful on the international stage, representing Italy in several major competitions. Martina has won several medals at the World and European Championships, while Arianna has earned medals in various international competitions.
Both sisters have also won medals at the Winter Olympics, with Martina being the first Italian female short-track speed skater to win a medal at the Winter Olympics in 2006. The Valcepina sisters have also been instrumental in promoting short-track speed skating in Italy.
They have both appeared in numerous television commercials and magazine articles, encouraging young people to take up the sport.
They have also been supporters of the Italian Short Track Team, attending many of their events to show their support. The Valcepina sisters have been an inspiration to many young athletes in Italy, showing them that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
They have both been role models for aspiring speed skaters, showing that it is possible to achieve excellence in the sport. The Valcepina sisters have also been a source of pride for Italy, showing the world that Italian athletes can achieve great things.
31. Lucrezia Beccari
Lucrezia Beccari is an accomplished Italian figure skater. She is the 2019 Italian national silver medalist on the senior level, and the 2018 junior champion as a single skater.
She also achieved success in pairs skating with her partner Matteo Guarise; the pair were crowned the 2023 Italian national bronze medalists. Lucrezia’s dedication to the sport is remarkable, and her achievements demonstrate her hard work and talent.
She has a strong presence on the ice and her graceful movements truly capture the beauty of figure skating. Her determination and competitive spirit have made her a force to be reckoned with in the world of figure skating.
Lucrezia Beccari is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work. Her success in both single and pairs skating sets a great example for aspiring figure skaters.
She is a talented skater and her achievements are a testament to her commitment and passion for the sport.
Conclusion
The best Skating players in Italy have proven to be some of the most talented and competitive athletes in the world. They have achieved impressive results both in international competitions and in local events.
They have set high standards for the younger generations to follow and inspire them to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
Skating in Italy has a bright future, and the best Skating players are sure to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and contribute to the sport’s development.
