Italy is experiencing a golden era in individual sports, and cycling’s next big hope might just be the one to add a new chapter. Giulio Pellizzari, the 22-year-old rising star, first announced himself to the world at the 2024 Giro d’Italia. Riding for the second-tier VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane team, he nearly pulled off a stunning victory on the mountain stage to Monte Pana. That day, only the legendary Tadej Pogacar could deny him—but instead of fading away, Pellizzari showed remarkable grit by sticking with the champion all the way up the climb. In a moment that captured fans’ hearts, he even impulsively asked for Pogacar’s maglia rosa.

Now, Pellizzari returns to the Giro as a legitimate contender, ready to shake up the battle for glory against red-hot favourite Jonas Vingegaard. For Italian cycling fans, this feels like a long-awaited revival. The last Italian to win the Giro was Vincenzo Nibali in 2016, and since then, no homegrown talent has come close to his level. But Pellizzari’s fearless style and climbing prowess suggest he could be the one to break the drought.

This surge in Italian sporting pride isn’t limited to cycling. Just look at the tennis court: Jannik Sinner just made history with a fifth straight Masters 1000 title in Madrid, while the nation’s male and female tennis teams have dominated the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup. In Formula 1, teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli is leading the world championship standings, winning three consecutive grands prix. Even on the slopes, Federica Brignone’s double gold at the Winter Olympics and overall crystal globe wins from Laura Pirovano and Sofia Goggia have kept Italy on top. It’s a welcome distraction from the men’s football team’s struggles to qualify for the World Cup.

For Pellizzari, the challenge is clear: step up against the world’s best and bring the Giro crown back to Italy. If his 2024 debut was any indication, this young rider has the heart and the legs to make it happen. The tifosi are already dreaming—and they might just be right.