Tbilisi becomes Pirelli’s breakthrough

Gennaro Pirelli found the result that had been just out of reach for him at senior level. At the 2026 European Championships in Tbilisi, the Italian finally turned years of progress into a continental title in the -100 kg category. After bronze medals in 2024 and 2025 and U23 European gold in 2021, this was the missing step.

The achievement stands out even more because of the level in his weight class. Pirelli came through his section of the draw and then met Bilalov (RUS) in the semi-final. He struck early with a Waza-ari inside the first minute, then had to stay sharp and disciplined against a very demanding tactical approach for the rest of the contest.

The final did not develop in the way many expected, but Pirelli made sure he was ready for the athlete in front of him. The match-up became Catharina-Pirelli, and the Italian finished the job. For his team as well as for Pirelli himself, it was an emotional scene and a huge release.

This was the senior title Pirelli had been chasing.

What makes the story even stronger is the context around his run in Tbilisi. Pirelli said he was still not fully recovered physically after a small leg tendon injury two months earlier. He also arrived after a major loss in the family only weeks before the event, and he had not been certain he would even compete.

There is also a clear European club story behind the medal. Pirelli pointed to the role of Nippon Napoli, his home club in Naples, and to the support around him, including the Italian police, where he works. That background matters, because the club has built real momentum and keeps producing high-level athletes.

Christian Parlati won European gold at -90 kg last year, and now Pirelli has added another major title for the same environment. He also spoke about helping with the children at training before evening sessions, which gives this victory an extra layer. In Tbilisi, Italy celebrated a champion, and young judoka in Naples gained an even bigger example to follow.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union