The Italian curling team faced a shocking defeat against the Chinese team with a score of 11-4, putting their aspirations for a medal at the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics in serious jeopardy. The loss comes as a surprise to many, as the Chinese team was struggling, having yet to secure a victory and previously enduring five consecutive defeats in the tournament. The performance of the Italian team was abysmal, failing to meet expectations despite predictions favoring them.

During the match held in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Chinese team dominated from the start, stealing three consecutive ends early in the game, leading to a swift victory in just seven ends. This substantial lead proved insurmountable for the Italian squad, led by Retornaz, who needed a win to remain competitive for a semifinal spot. The round robin format allows only the top four teams from ten to advance, and with a record of three losses in six matches, the path to the knockout phase has become increasingly challenging for Italy.

Moving forward, the Italian team faces critical matches against tough opponents including the USA and Canada, and they cannot afford any more losses if they hope to advance to the semifinals. This unexpected turn of events highlights the unpredictability of the sport and underscores the pressure on the Italian team to perform well in the remaining games to realize their Olympic dreams.