Zelindo Di Giulio is a prominent figure in Italian pickleball. Together with Marco Iacuone, he has been a pioneer since 2017 and currently serves as the president of the Associazione Italiana Pickleball. In an interview with Pickleball Milano, he shared insights into the sport’s growth in Italy.
How are the preparations for the Internationals in Tocco da Casauria going?
“Very well; the event grows each year. For 2023, we expect over 150 players and might reach full capacity at 180. The tournament will span five days instead of three: Wednesday and Thursday for intermediate levels, and Friday through Sunday for the open tournament, categorized by age groups. This extended format appeals especially to international players who appreciate senior categories and the opportunity to vacation in Abruzzo. In addition to the usual seven courts (three indoor and four outdoor), there will be four practice and free-play courts on the town’s tennis courts. The local experience will include group food and wine evenings, and we’re organizing a traditional village festival to celebrate pickleball, local cuisine, music, and foster interactions between locals and visitors. Accommodation-wise, the convent can host 140 participants, with additional hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb options nearby. We’re also aiming to introduce a prize fund for the open category. The pickleball movement is rapidly accelerating in Italy, and the Tocco Open reflects this growth.”
Regarding the national movement, the organized Italian pickleball scene has recently become a sector of the FITP (Federazione Italiana Tennis e Padel). How are things progressing?
“Among the initial initiatives, the FITP has incorporated pickleball into the first-level tennis instructor courses. The first course was held in Rome, with young participants showing significant interest in the pickleball module. Supertennis, which has already featured pickleball segments, provides substantial exposure given its extensive reach both on television and online.
We’re currently discussing the curriculum for new pickleball instructor training courses. If we stay on schedule, by the second half of 2023, the FITP will offer three training levels, from basic to national master. We’re also evaluating how to convert first-level diplomas from our previous courses. Additionally, we’re planning tournaments, particularly non-competitive federal ones organized by associations affiliated with the Federation. This circuit will utilize the FITP’s TPRA system, which, among other functions, assigns national player rankings. Overall, it’s been only a few months since pickleball became an FITP sector, so many details are still being finalized, but progress is very positive.”
What will be the relationship between existing pickleball associations and the FITP?
“Pickleball associations can affiliate with the FITP, and some have already done so. Memberships from FITP-affiliated tennis clubs automatically cover pickleball. For padel-only clubs, the situation is more complex and is managed administratively by regional committees on a case-by-case basis. Currently, player memberships are tennis-specific and not yet tailored for pickleball, but this will certainly change in the near future. Regarding the Associazione Italiana Pickleball, most of its activities have merged into the FITP’s pickleball sector. For now, the association remains active in areas such as maintaining relationships with foreign organizations.”
Do you find time to play pickleball? Which paddle do you use?
“Fortunately, I play often. In Tocco, many players are on the courts during weekends and even on Monday evenings. I use a Gamma Legend 16mm, a well-balanced all-rounder that suits me well. Since many people ask me to compare it with padel, I’ve promised to finally give padel a try. As for tennis, I have little time for it.”
Pickleball seems to be gaining traction in Italy, with media coverage, new clubs, and open days. Is that correct?
“Everything is happening rapidly, with new pickleball courts opening weekly. Italy appears to be ahead of other European countries in terms of available dedicated courts. The recent padel fairs in Milan and Rome, which featured pickleball, have been crucial for promotion. Some padel clubs, like the one in Salerno, built pickleball courts after seeing it at the Rome fair. Additionally, articles like the one in Repubblica in March provide incredible momentum for pickleball’s awareness and growth in Italy.”
(June 2023)