Yesterday we proposed a list of the five international fights we would most like to see in 2026. Today, instead, we turn our attention to the Italian scene, compiling a list of ten derbies we would love to watch in the near or distant future. As usual, we broaden the scope to include boxers of foreign origin affiliated with the FPI, as well as fighters of Italian origin who compete abroad. Here they are, from the lightest to the heaviest, our 10 dream Italian derbies!
Methodological note: some of these matchups are currently “unfeasible” for various reasons. Organizing a few of them could even be considered “inappropriate” if done too early and without a major belt at stake. However, our goal here is not to explore realistic scenarios, but simply to highlight which clashes between our fighters would keep us glued to the screen, buzzing with excitement.
Cristian Zara vs Mauro Forte – Bantamweight
One is the EBU European champion, the other holds the EBU Silver belt—and both are Italian. It therefore seems almost natural that the paths of these two excellent fighters should cross to determine who the best bantamweight in our country really is. Solidity and pragmatism on one side, flair and elegance on the other: beyond the spectacle, this bout would be packed with fascinating technical and tactical nuances.
Francesco De Rosa vs Alessio Lorusso – Super Bantamweight
Once again, the stylistic contrast would be mouth-watering. On one side, De Rosa’s “Mexican-style” aggression, constantly pressing forward and unleashing flurries of punches; on the other, Lorusso’s timing and “traps,” usually at their best when he fights as a counterpuncher. Which of the two would manage to impose his boxing and drag the opponent out of his comfort zone?
Muhamet Qamili vs Francesco Grandelli – Featherweight
Both fighters have paid their dues on the international stage, building an excellent store of experience. The former mainly did so in Saudi Arabia, trading blows with prospects from all over the world in Riyadh; the latter across Europe, also showing a willingness to step into the lion’s den. Given their characteristics, we are certain they would produce a frantic, high-tempo fight.
Ghaith Weslati vs Simone Rao – Featherweight
One is the current Italian champion, the other held the title until recently. Weslati is more patient and methodical, aware of the explosiveness of his carefully selected punches; Rao is more impetuous and frenetic, lacking one-punch knockout power and therefore relying heavily on volume, mixing head and body shots. They would likely deliver a fine battle, with Weslati acting as the attacker and Rao as the outfighter.
Armando Casamonica vs Charlemagne Metonyekpon 2 – Super Lightweight
The two already faced each other last May, producing an extremely close fight whose verdict, in Casamonica’s favor, failed to convince everyone. A rematch had been scheduled, but Armando understandably chose to chase the European dream by challenging Jon Fernández. Now “Charly” will try as well, but regardless of how things turn out, it would be great to see our two athletes share the ring again one day for a proper rematch.
Dario Morello vs Giovanni Sarchioto – Middleweight
A lot has already been said about this hypothetical matchup. From Sarchioto’s “accusation” that Italian middleweights waited for him to change goals before organizing the national title behind his back, to Morello’s reported request of thirty thousand euros to accept the fight. We don’t know how this soap opera will end, but we do know we would love to watch the bout—whose outcome seems genuinely uncertain.
Luca D’Ortenzi vs Eros Seghetti – Light Heavyweight
One is a challenger for the European title, the other a co-challenger for the EBU Silver belt, so for now their paths run in parallel. It would be fantastic if both were to win their respective title fights and then face each other for a fully Italian European showdown. Experience and tactical savvy on one side, ambition and athletic freshness on the other: a combination that could be great fun.
Jonathan Kogasso vs Claudio Squeo – Cruiserweight
With Fabio Turchi temporarily suspended due to a positive test for Drostanolone, and Abbes Mouhiidine needing to gain experience in the pro ranks this year before truly taking off, Kogasso and Squeo appear to be our leading cruiserweights. Seeing them face each other one day would be fascinating, to determine who has the better chance of achieving glory on the international stage.
Diego Lenzi vs Dmytro Tonyshev – Heavyweight
The two already met as amateurs in the final of the 2022 Italian Championships. On that occasion, Lenzi prevailed, using his size and power to push his opponent to the brink several times, though he himself reached the final bell exhausted. Today both are taking their first steps in the professional ranks; it is probably too early for a rematch, but it would be nice if it happened in the future.
Guido Vianello vs Angelo Morejon – Heavyweight
These two fighters undoubtedly represent the crown jewels of the division, clearly superior to the other Italian heavyweights thanks to their technical, physical and mental assets. They know each other well, having shared intense and productive sparring sessions, and at the moment they are pursuing completely different paths toward different goals. But this article is about “dream derbies,” and since dreaming costs nothing, we like to imagine one day witnessing a breathtaking clash between Vianello and Morejon in a packed Italian arena.