In the only individual final of the opening night, Alberto Razzetti struck to win the 400m medley.
— I am super happy. My goal was to win in front of the home fans, but the pressure has been hard, says Razzetti, who clocked 4.10.60 and won by almost two seconds.
Razzetti claimed his first championship gold in the long course, defeating David Verraszto of Hungary, three-time EC winner over the distance.
But that’s not all – teammate Pier Andrea Matteazzi also made it onto the podium when he secured the bronze.
During the national anthem, there was a sing-along from the home crowd in a rocking Foro Italico.
Italy had its best ever WC in Budapest in June, taking nine medals, including five gold.