Fabio Basile replaces Lombardo at Euros

A surprise return for Fabio Basile. Just when it seemed quiet around Basile, the Italian Olympic champion is suddenly back in the spotlight. In a surprising late twist, Basile will compete at the European Championships in Tbilisi on 17 April in the -73kg category, stepping in as a replacement for injured teammate Manuel Lombardo.

Basile hasn’t appeared at the European Championships since 2023, but as he explains, staying ready has always been part of his mindset. “In judo you always have to be in shape . I’ve trained every day since I was six, twice a day, all year. I never stopped. Now I have this chance and I want to take it.”

The call came directly from Lombardo, who informed Basile about his injury and made it clear he trusted him to take over his spot. Lombardo later confirmed on social media that he had pushed until the last moment but chose to focus on recovery and the upcoming Olympic qualification and World Championships later this year.

For Basile, the opportunity comes with a challenge: the weight cut. Dropping to -73kg on short notice is never easy, but he remains confident. “I just need to lose about five kilos. Friday will be tough, but also a beautiful day.”

It’s a classic Basile moment, unexpected, emotional and full of energy. Can he turn this late call-up into something special in Tbilisi?

Eight Olympic champions are listed to compete

Lasha Shavdatuashvili (GEO/ London 2012)

Fabio Basile (ITA / Rio 2016)

Lukas Krpalek (CZE/ Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020)

Distria Krasniqi (KOS/ Tokyo 2020)

Hidayat Heydarov (AZE/ Paris 2024)            

Lasha Bekauri (GEO/ Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024)             

Alice Bellandi (ITA/ Paris 2024)

Zelym Kotsoiev (AZE/ Paris 2024)   

Source: EJU

Back to the overview