Italy's ski boss takes a stand. © Pentaphoto

Controversy surrounding Trocker & D'Antonio: "Exceptional cases"

Seventeen-year-old Anna Trocker and sixteen-year-old Giada D'Antonio, two very young athletes, will make their World Cup debuts this weekend. Ahead of the event, Italy's ski chief commented on his expectations for the two talented skiers.

25 December 2025

From: leo

For decades, Italy's women's slalom team has been in a deep crisis. Their last podium finish was almost 15 years ago (136 races), their last victory 18 years ago (164). And even in giant slalom, a top-five finish has eluded them this season, due in no small part to injuries to Federica Brignone and Marta Bassino. However, with Anna Trocker and Giada D'Antonio, the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) now has two new hopefuls in its ranks, who will face their baptism of fire this weekend in Semmering.

These youngsters are deviating from the "normal" development process. Until now, ski talents in Italy have been carefully guided to the top through FIS and European Cup races. A World Cup debut rarely occurred before the age of 18. The example of Lara Colturi, who deliberately avoided this path, opting instead to prove herself immediately in the World Cup and even changing her nationality to do so, has apparently triggered a change in thinking. After the skier from Völs and the Neapolitan impressed at the start of the season in America and also in Italy, they were nominated for the races at the Zauberberg – without ever having competed in a European Cup race.

This is what Italy's ski boss says

“One thing has to be present from the outset if you want to accelerate the development process like this. And that is talent,” emphasizes Gianluca Rulfi, technical director of Italy’s women’s ski team. Race ski magazinesBoth Trocker and D'Antonio are exceptional cases. "But you mustn't put unnecessary pressure on them immediately," said Rulfi. It was important that the duo didn't take a place away from any other athlete. "If the team had consisted of riders who regularly competed at the front, there would have been little or no space available." Rulfi speaks of important experiences, of a learning process that awaits the duo at Semmering.

Anna Trocker and Giada D'Antonio.

Interest in Trocker's and D'Antonio's first World Cup race is enormous. The South Tyrolean, who celebrated her 17th birthday just a few days ago, will showcase her skills in the giant slalom on Saturday. D'Antonio will compete in the slalom the following day.