Dominant Display in Pula

Gabriele Piraino,the 21-year-old left-handed player from Palermo CT,is riding high after clinching his fourth ITF title at the Santa Margherita courts in Pula,Sardinia. this victory marks a significant milestone, building on his previous success in the same location just a year prior, where he secured his first ITF title. His recent triumphs also include two titles won in Bologna in September 2024 adn another in Antalya a few months ago. Piraino, currently ranked 425th in the world, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament.

The Road to Victory: A Tournament Recap

Piraino’s path to the title was marked by extraordinary performances against a series of formidable opponents.In the first round, he overcame fellow left-hander Gianmarco Ferrari in a hard-fought match, winning 7-6, 7-5. the round of 16 saw him advance after Andrea Picchione was forced to retire early in the match. A significant victory came in the quarterfinals, where he defeated the top seed, British player jay Clarke (ranked 251st), with a score of 6-4, 7-5. Piraino than cruised through the semi-finals,securing a comfortable 6-2,6-1 victory over Federico Bondioli from Ravenna.

Final Showdown: Piraino vs.Alcala Gurri

In the final, Piraino faced the 22-year-old Spaniard max Alcala Gurri. Despite Alcala Gurri’s best efforts, Piraino maintained control throughout the match, securing a 6-3, 6-4 victory in just over two hours. This win underscores Piraino’s growing confidence and skill on the court, solidifying his position as a rising star in the world of tennis.

Eyes on Rome: A Potential Wild Card opportunity

This victory in Pula provides an excellent boost for Piraino as he sets his sights on the upcoming pre-qualifications for the prestigious BNL Internazionali d’Italia in rome. The tournament, a key event on the ATP Tour, attracts top players from around the globe. Currently, Italian tennis is experiencing a surge in popularity, with players like Jannik Sinner achieving top rankings. As of April 2025, Sinner is ranked number 2 in the world, inspiring a new generation of Italian players.

The hope is that Piraino’s recent success will earn him a wild card entry into the qualifications, or even the main draw, of the Rome Masters. This would increase the number of Palermo athletes participating in the tournament from two to three, joining Federico Cinà and Giorgia Pedone, who have already received wild cards from the Italian Tennis Federation (FITP).

Looking Ahead

The entire CT Palermo community is rooting for Piraino to seize this opportunity and make a significant impact at the Rome Masters. His tenacity and dedication to the sport serve as an inspiration to aspiring tennis players throughout Italy. Securing a wild card for the qualifications, or even the main draw, would be a dream come true for the young athlete.