Brunetti Castel Goffredo Claims Eighth Women's Italian Cup

Brunetti Castel Goffredo extended their hold on Italian women's table tennis by defeating Tennistavolo Norbello 3-1 in the final at Palascherma in Ancona on January 5. The trophy was presented after the match by Ancona Deputy Mayor Giovanni Zinni and Italian Table Tennis Federation President Renato Di Napoli, marking a sixth consecutive cup for Castel Goffredo and the club’s eighth overall.

The final opened with a dramatic doubles match. Anastasiia Kolish and Ana Tofant edged Andreea Dragoman and Nikoleta Stefanova in a five-game decider, the last game settled 6-4 after a sudden-death finish (14-12, 5-11, 3-11, 11-7, 4-6). That early success gave Norbello momentum, but Bernadette Szocs produced a key response in the first singles, coming back from two games down to beat Tan Wenling 3-2 (9-11, 8-11, 11-8, 12-10, 6-4). The turning point helped swing the tie back toward Castel Goffredo.

Dragoman then restored Castel Goffredo’s lead by surviving another five-game battle against Kolish, finishing 3-2 (11-9, 11-6, 12-14, 9-11, 6-3). Szocs sealed the title in the fourth match with a composed straight-games victory over Tofant, 3-0 (11-8, 11-8, 11-8), ensuring the cup did not reach a deciding fifth singles.

Earlier in the tournament Castel Goffredo reached the final after a 3-1 semifinal win over Quattro Mori Cagliari, while Norbello advanced with a 3-1 victory against Tennistavolo Sassari. Quattro Mori Cagliari took third place by beating Sassari 3-1 in the consolation match.

Castel Goffredo Technical Director Alfonso LAGHEZZA highlighted the team’s resilience after the final: “We had to fight tooth and nail,” said Castel Goffredo Technical Director Alfonso LAGHEZZA. “We faced difficulties, some of them unexpected, but the girls reacted very well. After losing the doubles, Bernadette’s comeback against TAN was fundamental. Her style is extremely difficult to face, especially with the heavy spin on long serves. We adjusted the tactics, and Bernadette managed the match brilliantly. Andreea also showed great character in the deciding game. We are very happy to win our eighth Italian Cup and now look ahead to our next goal, the Italian championship.”

For local clubs and players, Castel Goffredo’s continued success provides a benchmark in preparation, tactics and team depth. Their reliance on heavy spin, long-serve strategy adjustments and clutch singles play will shape how rivals plan for the upcoming Italian championship, where Castel Goffredo will now set their sights.