Debora Vivarelli made her first appearance.

At the World Cup: Vivarelli and Piccolin cause a sensation

After their disappointing performance at the European Championships seven months ago in Croatia, Italy's table tennis players are now making headlines again at the World Championships in London.

05 May 2026

From: dl

With three clear 3-0 victories in the group stage, the Azzurre laid the foundation and continued their winning streak on Tuesday at Wembley Arena in London. In the first knockout round match, Italy's women defeated Portugal 3-1, celebrating their fourth consecutive victory.

Against the Portuguese team, which included two Chinese players ranked in the top 80, Italy impressed above all as a cohesive unit: The two South Tyrolean players, Giorgia Piccolin and Debora Vivarelli, as well as Gaia Monfardini, each contributed a point. Now they face France in the round of 16, who are considered a tough opponent.

Vivarelli made her debut at her 15th World Championship and delivered a convincing performance. The 33-year-old won the crucial match against Matilde Pinto (337), even saving a set point in the process.