Adam Vella, one of Malta’s leading wrestlers, managed to win the silver medal in the 60kg category of the Coppa Italia tournament which also incorporates the Gran Prix Sicilia.

After winning three straight bouts - all on the same day - he qualified for the final against Italian champion Salvatore Manino. In his last bout he looked rather tired following his three wins and so he had to content with a well merited silver.

More was expected from David Zammit in the 66kg category. In his opening bout he looked set to win comfortably but instead of defending his lead he made a technical mistake that caused him the bout and elimination. It seemed he was rather over confident. It is fair to state, however, that Zammit is a very dedicated wrestler with a promising future on the mat.

A new face in the international field was Mark Galea taking part in the Cadet 63kg. He had three bouts managing to win one of them.

At the end Malta was classified 12th out of 26 teams. Due to lack of finances Malta could not send more than three wrestlers.

The Maltese contingent was accompanied by national coach Jesmond Giordimaina and former international wrestler Abraham Vassallo, newly promoted assistant national coach and now also a national referee who is aspiring to obtain the international licence. In this international tournament he was called to control a good number of bouts.