Italy's women's curling team started the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic tournament on a disappointing note, suffering a 7-4 defeat to Switzerland, which is considered one of the favorites for the gold medal. The team, led by Stefania Constantini, displayed potential in the first half of the match but lacked the consistency and composure needed to sustain pressure against their opponents' superior skills. This initial setback raises concerns about how the team will perform against future competitors in the tournament.

During the first end, Constantini made a strong opening by scoring the first point for Italy, leading 1-0. However, the team encountered critical errors, particularly from player Elena Mathis, which allowed Switzerland to capitalize and take a lead. Although Constantini managed to level the score at 2-2 with a well-placed stone in the final moments of an end, the Swiss team quickly regained control. Their experience and tactical prowess became evident as they pulled ahead and maintained their advantage throughout the match, showcasing the gap in preparation between the two teams.

Italy's next challenge is against South Korea later today at 19:00, making it imperative for the Azzurre to regroup and learn from their mistakes. The outcome of their next match will be crucial for their chances of advancing in the tournament. As they aim to improve, the focus will be on addressing their errors and enhancing their performance under pressure, especially with the home crowd cheering for them in Milano-Cortina.