The ISU World Team Trophy 2025 has taken Tokyo by storm this week, delighting fans of professional figure skating with not only breathtaking performances but also a hearty dose of Italian culinary humor. The Italian team has emerged as the unexpected entertainers of the event, showcasing their love for cuisine alongside their passion for skating.
The spectacle, featuring teams from Canada, France, Georgia, Japan, and the United States, has transformed the typically serious atmosphere of competitive sports into a vibrant party. The ‘kiss-and-cry’ areas have been decked out with pom-poms, flags, balloons, and an array of colorful costumes, creating a lively backdrop reminiscent of a fun festival.
Above the enthusiastic cheers and applause, the charming Italian contingent brought the audience to fits of laughter with their series of comical signs detailing what they termed “serious culinary instructions.” Once a beaming Italian star of ice dance, Marco Fabbri waved a placard proclaiming, “Never ever put pineapple on pizza,” igniting friendly debates among the skaters.
The duo of Charlene Guignard and Daniel Grassl were equally humorous. Guignard’s sign tenaciously affirmed, “Parmigiana is made with eggplants,” while Grassl made his point very clear: “The Italian Way is to never put ketchup on spaghetti.” Another message from Nikolaj Memola roundly insisted, “No cappuccino after 11am.” The camaraderie and humor amongst the team showcase the lighter side of competitive figure skating.
With the event only just underway, it appears that the Italian skaters may have plenty more quirky lessons lined up to share this week, drawing smiles and laughter from fans and competitors alike. This unique blend of athleticism and cultural pride makes the ISU World Team Trophy in Tokyo a truly special occasion in the figure skating calendar.
