Massimo Mancini is Champion of Italy

Saturday afternoon at Lido di Ostia, the athlete of Kodokan Samurai Spello gained the top step of the podium in the category of -90kg. A great result, symbol of capacity and determination of the young athlete that left no chance to his opponents. Mancini, trained by the brothers Giulio and Giuseppe Famà, after he won the first three meetings by Ippon (the equivalent of the knockout in boxing), he fought in the final against Lucci Prato. The balanced match had a breakthrough in the last 20 seconds when the class of Mancini overtook over the strong opponent of Tuscany. Before the bell rang, Massimo got a yuko, an important point granted him the victory. After the bronze medal last year, and the first place in the national ranking, the title of Champion of Italy opens the doors for a spot in the national team. Already on March 8 Massimo will defend the Italian colors in Zagreb in his first European ranking stage. "It 'a beautiful dream - says the new Italian champion - for which I must thank the team mates of the KDK Spello where I train five times a week. I would like to mention also my teachers, who transmitted me the passion for this wonderful sport, Fiocchetti and Nardone and especially my family and my father". That of Mancini is proof that strong motivation cannot stop you from climbing insurmountable obstacles. In addition to the gold medal and the call-up, Mancini also earned the second dan black belt. A Saturday to remember that on February 23, also for the excellent performance of five other samurais of the Kodokan Spello: Alfonso Argenio, Andrea Biasin, Michele Damiani, Filippo Battistoni and Alessandro Binucci who conquered great placings at the 40th International Tournament of Barcelona.