Silver in Miami: the world dream of Rinaldo Rossi and Federica Mundula

We met Rinaldo Rossi and Federica Mundula, the key players of the Italian Independent Selection that achieved an extraordinary silver medal at the Pickleball World Championships in Miami. Together, we retraced the journey that led them to face the United States on the most prestigious stage, the emotions they experienced during the tournament, and the current state of Italian Pickleball — a movement that continues to grow.

How did it all start?

Rinaldo: “In 2022, we started playing our first matches at a club in Rome, mostly just for fun. Then passion took over. Pickleball was still quite unknown in Italy, but cities like Milan, Bologna, and Rome began to open up to the sport, and we threw ourselves into it with all our enthusiasm. We quickly realized that to improve, we had to compete with the best. That’s how the first international trips came about — Belgium, England, Spain. Technically, our tennis background helped us a lot, but in Pickleball, what really makes the difference is strategy and consistent commitment.”

It was a completely independent world adventure.

Rinaldo: “The Federation didn’t support the Senior Over 50 category’s trip, so we decided to organize ourselves and go anyway. We registered as Team Independent Athletes, and once in Miami, we felt right at home — so many Italians in the stands and an incredible atmosphere. There were 68 delegations from all over the world, in a setting worthy of a major event. We played ten hours a day, defeating Australia, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Brazil, and Puerto Rico before falling in the final against the United States — the Pickleball Dream Team.”

When did you realize you could really go all the way?

Federica: “The turning point was the victory against Australia in the group stage. They were among the favorites, and that’s when we realized we could actually go far. That match gave us real confidence. Then we had an epic battle against Brazil — 27–25 in the tie-break, after saving five match points. In the semifinals, we beat the reigning Over 50 world champions, and that win opened the doors to the final.”

Your chemistry on court seems perfect.

Rinaldo: “Doubles Pickleball is like a chess match: you have to change strategy on the fly, read your opponents, and stay calm in key moments. Federica and I have been playing together for a long time, we know each other well, and we know every match is different — it takes adaptability, focus, and mutual trust.”

Federica: “Sometimes just a few minutes of loss in rhythm or concentration can change everything. In those moments, unity and the ability to react together are essential. It’s a very mental game, as much as a technical one. We work a lot together on that aspect.”

What does Italian Pickleball need to close the gap with more established countries?

Rinaldo: “In Italy, the movement is growing, but there are still few of us who can train consistently at an international level. Some are in Rome, others in Milan, Turin, or Brescia. What we lack is the chance to train together regularly.”

Federica: “We decided to play fewer tournaments in Italy and more abroad — that’s where you really learn. Foreign opponents have more experience, and facing them helps you improve much faster.”

What’s next?

Federica: “We plan to finish the year strong with tournaments in Bologna, Milan, and Siena. Then we’ll kick off 2026 with a major event in Egypt. Every competition is a new opportunity to grow.”