Host Italy earns first win in women's curling at Milano Cortina 2026, defeats U.S. 7-2
Stefania Constantini delivered when it mattered most, steering the host Italian women's curling team to a 7-2 victory over the United States on Monday (ET). The win — the first for the hosts in the women's field at Milano Cortina 2026 — brought a welcome surge of momentum and loud cheers from the home crowd.
Constantini steadies the ship; crowd lifts the hosts
Italy’s skip produced a composed performance as the host side methodically built a lead and closed out the contest before a raucous arena. The 7-2 scoreline reflected a match in which Italy capitalized on early openings and limited costly mistakes, a pattern that had eluded them earlier in the tournament.
Fans in the stands provided a visible edge, buoying the team through key ends and turning the atmosphere into a tangible advantage. The home support was particularly evident when the Italian rink made a series of precise draws and takeouts, grinding down opposition attempts to establish control of the scoreboard.
Practical impact and what comes next
The victory gives Italy its first win in the round robin and an important psychological lift. While the overall standings still reflect a challenging tournament for the hosts, breaking through for that initial win removes some of the pressure and gives the team a clearer platform from which to attack remaining matches.
For visiting teams, the result is a reminder that the host rink will be dangerous on home ice and that crowd energy can change the complexion of a session. Italy’s performance underscored improved execution in the shots that matter — draws and late-end decision-making — traits that will be key if they hope to climb the standings in the final round-robin games.
Broader tournament context
The hosts’ breakthrough arrived on a day of mixed results across the women's draw, with higher-profile rinks also posting important wins. Italy’s success will likely be framed as a turning point for the squad, even as qualification math remains difficult. The team’s focus now turns to the next slate of opponents and building on the momentum created by this home-ice triumph.
For supporters and neutrals alike, the match offered an entertaining display of curling drama and a reminder that host nations can find a late surge that changes the tone of a tournament. Italy will look to harness that energy as the round robin continues, aiming to translate one memorable victory into consistent performances through the final days of competition.
