As the 3Tre Madonna di Campiglio Night Slalom approaches, Italian ski enthusiasts harbor the long-standing aspiration to end an 18-year victory drought on the storied Canalone Miramonti slope, a feat last accomplished by Giorgio Rocca in 2005.

This year, on December 22nd, the Slalom Technical Director Simone Del Dio and the Italian National Team are determined to reclaim glory in Madonna di Campiglio, with a diverse array of contenders hoping for success. Del Dio expressed the team's disposition: “The team feels good. We hoped to race in Val d’Isere but the slalom was cancelled. We will probably take part in the Europe Cup slaloms in Pozza di Fassa and Obereggen to find the right feelings in view of the Madonna di Campiglio event.”

Alex Vinatzer, the leader of the Azzurri, is under the spotlight after a podium finish at the 3Tre in 2020. Del Dio remarked, “Vinatzer failed the approach in Gurgl: in the first run he was a little stiff, while in the second run he showed both solid sections and severe mistakes. Nevertheless, Alex has grown a lot: we expect a great result from him in the next slaloms.”

Tobias Kastlunger's performance in Gurgl earned him the best Italian classification with a 12th place finish, thanks to a standout second run in which he clocked the second-best time. Del Dio noted, “Tobias is a determined guy, who never fails the second run. He showed tenacity and ability to manage emotions.”

Among those disappointed in Gurgl is also Tommaso Sala, who, after performing well in the last seasons, had a complicated approach to the 2023 season due to a training injury. "Tommaso arrived in Gurgl with less training compared to his teammates, but he was in good shape," emphasizes Del Dio. "He put too much pressure on himself, wanting to chase a result at all costs which then did not come. However, he is showing excellent skiing: he needs to be more confident, because technically he is a top slalom skier."

The team also counts on veterans Stefano Gross and Giuliano Razzoli, who bring plenty of World Cup experience. Del Dio is optimistic: “Gross is living a second youth, whilst Razzoli has some physical issues, but he can always play his cards in Madonna di Campiglio. It’s harder for them to compete, but never underestimate the heart of the champions.”

Concluding with a reflection on the significance of the event, Del Dio said, “Many expect so much from us, which means that we have what it takes to achieve a big result. Racing in Madonna di Campiglio is an honor for us: for an Italian is comparable to Schladming for an Austrian. Madonna di Campiglio hosts one of the most beautiful World Cup slaloms”.

The 3Tre event will commence on December 21st with music and entertainment in Sissi Square, the traditional public bib draw, and a Meet&Greet with UYN athletes, followed by the main races on December 22nd. Details and tickets are available on www.3trecampiglio.it.