Milan-Cortina, Italy's curling team dominates Czech Republic and approaches the semifinals
Italy's curling team achieved a decisive victory over the Czech Republic, moving closer to semifinal qualification for Milan-Cortina 2026.
In a remarkable display of skill, the Italian duo of Stefania Constantini and Amos Masaner claimed their fifth victory in seven matches as they triumphed over the Czech pair of Julie Zelingrova and Vit Chabikovski with a score of 8-2. This match served as a critical component of their campaign to qualify for the semifinals of the prestigious Milan-Cortina 2026 event. The Italians executed their strategy with precision and aggression, completely taking charge of the game early on and forcing the Czechs into a position of constant defense.
The Italian pair showcased their expertise by first eliminating their opponents' stones and then scoring multiple points effectively, initially leading at 3-1. Utilizing a bold approach, they managed to dominate the center of the house, which allowed them to extend their lead to 5-1 through a decisive final shot that put them further ahead. The Czechs struggled to keep up as Constantini and Masaner continued to push their advantage, leading into halftime with a comfortable score of 7-1.
As the game progressed into the second half, despite facing pressure, the Italians maintained their momentum and tactical superiority, demonstrating the skill and teamwork necessary to compete at such a high level. This victory not only solidifies their chances of reaching the semifinals but also reinforces Italy's growing strength in the curling scene as they prepare for the upcoming international competitions in 2026.