Giulia Zardini Lacedelli: Home-Ice Heroics at Milano Cortina 2026
London, 19 February 2026 – Italian curler Giulia Zardini Lacedelli has emerged as a central figure in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, representing the host nation in the women’s curling competition. Born and raised in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the 23-year-old lead has transitioned from a promising local talent to a key component of the Italian national team, competing on the very ice where she first developed her sporting ambitions.
Olympic Performance and Recent Results
Throughout the round-robin stage of the 2026 Games, Zardini Lacedelli has demonstrated exceptional technical precision. On 16 February 2026, she played a vital role in Italy’s 7-2 victory over the United States, a result that marked a significant turnaround for the “Azzurre” squad. Despite a late-stage surge, including a hard-fought victory against Denmark and a competitive session 11 match against Canada, the Italian women’s team has officially seen their semi-final hopes come to an end. Nevertheless, Zardini Lacedelli’s individual statistics remain high, with recent data showing a 75% success rate in draws and 100% in takeouts during key Olympic fixtures.
From Alpine Slopes to the Curling Sheet
Zardini Lacedelli’s journey to the Olympic Games is one of resilience. Growing up in the winter sports hub of Cortina, she initially excelled in alpine skiing and figure skating. However, a significant injury during her youth forced a change in direction, leading her to take up curling. Since making her international debut, she has represented Italy in five World Women’s Curling Championships (2021–2025) and six European Championships, securing a silver medal at the European level prior to the 2026 Games.
Key Facts: Giulia Zardini Lacedelli
The following table outlines the professional profile and biographical details of the Italian lead curler as of the current Olympic cycle.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Giulia Zardini Lacedelli |
| Date of Birth | 29 January 2003 |
| Place of Birth | Pieve di Cadore, Italy |
| Hometown | Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy |
| Position | Lead / Vice Skip |
| Olympic Appearance | Milano Cortina 2026 |
| Major Honours | European Curling Championship Silver Medallist |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Giulia Zardini Lacedelli’s role on the Italian team?
She primarily plays the “Lead” position for the Italian national women’s curling team, responsible for delivering the first two stones of each end and providing heavy sweeping duties. In some tactical rotations during the 2026 Games, she has also been credited in the Vice Skip role.
Did Italy qualify for the curling semi-finals in 2026?
No. Despite securing notable wins against the United States and Denmark in the latter half of the round robin, the Italian women’s team did not accumulate enough points to progress to the playoff rounds.
Why did she switch from skiing to curling?
Zardini Lacedelli was a talented alpine skier and figure skater as a child, but an injury prevented her from continuing in those high-impact disciplines, leading her to pursue curling in her hometown of Cortina.