Italy takes a stunning silver medal in the men's 4x100m freestyle at the World Championships in Singapore.

Once again, the Italian boys were among the swimming powerhouses. The men's 4x100m freestyle relay won silver at the World Swimming Championships in Singapore. The Italians had a sensational race, with debutant D'Ambrosio replacing the absent Alessandro Miressi in the first leg, and medalists Ceccon, Zazzeri, and Frigo: perfect substitutions and excellent times from all, finishing with a time that is also an Italian record (3'09"58, better than the Tokyo time by 53 hundredths) and which in the past would have even allowed them to win gold. That time instead goes to the Australian Kangaroos, who set a continental and championship record in 3'08"97, led by a final leg by Kyle Chalmers (46"53). The four from Italy had the satisfaction of beating the American giants, who took bronze (3'09"64), while Great Britain was once again fourth (3'10"73).

Medal number 199 for Italy's swimming team. The first of these World Championships. A great boost to continue. And a legacy that continues. Says captain Lorenzo Zazzeri, 30, the artist of the group. He was there for the silver medal at the Tokyo Games and the Olympic bronze in Paris, as well as the title at the 2022 World Championships in Budapest, the second place at the 2023 Fukuoka and 2024 Doha Championships: "We swam an incredible time of world-class caliber. The trend continues to be positive for this relay, and I'm truly proud to be a protagonist. And to have young people who are joining in, like Carlos, and are going strong right away."

Carlos D'Ambrosio, 18 years old, Venetian and debutant, He was the first of the Italians in the water, in lane three: his 100-meter time was 47.78. "I've dreamed of swimming in this relay since I was a child: I did it, I swam well, and I won a medal straight away." The second relay competitor was Thomas Ceccon , the Olympic backstroke champion who had previously qualified for the 50-meter butterfly final: his time was 47.11. Closing out, as always, was Manuel Frigo , who with a time of 47.34 allowed the Italians to overtake the United States (against Kulow's 47.94, the last American), while Australia took the lead in the race for the gold.

Ceccon: "With a time like that, it's usually gold."

"I honestly don't think we could have done better. It's disappointing because usually, with a time like that, you win. Congratulations to Australia, but I'm convinced that sooner or later the gold will arrive," said Thomas Ceccon. "We all did really well and gave it our all," said captain and third relay swimmer, Lorenzo Zazzeri. "We swam an incredible time, one that was world-class. The trend continues to be positive for this relay, and I'm truly proud to be a part of it."