In the recent qualifiers for women’s curling at Milano-Cortina 2026, the Italian team has suffered its third defeat, this time against China with a tight score of 8-7. Despite showing significant improvements in performance compared to previous matches against Switzerland and South Korea, the Azzurre, led by Stefania Constantini, could not capitalize on their opportunities, especially in the final ends of the game. Their performance, while commendable, now leaves them in a precarious situation regarding playoff qualification.

The match went well for Italy for much of the contest, where they managed to stay competitive. However, mistakes during the final two ends proved costly, leading to a heartbreaking loss that not only hampers their current standing but also raises questions regarding their ability to rebound in subsequent matches. Their preparation and execution could be scrutinized as they gear up for their next game against a strong Swedish team, who currently holds an undefeated record.

As the Italian women now face a critical turning point in their campaign, the pressure mounts to secure a victory against Sweden. A fourth consecutive loss could result in elimination from playoff contention, highlighting the importance of this upcoming match for the morale and future prospects of the Azzurre in the tournament.