On 9 October 2025, in Warsaw, TeamItaly Cyberdefender won the title of European Champion at theEuropean Cybersecurity Challenge (ECSC) for the first time, beating teams from around forty nations. The competition, organised by NASK with the support of ENISA and the European Commission, is a key initiative to develop advanced skills and strengthen the European cybersecurity community.

Technical skills and realistic scenarios

The tests simulate realistic scenarios in which participants have to identify vulnerabilities, extract sensitive data and defend systems against attacks. This model allows participants to develop technical and strategic skills essential for working in the IT security sector.

Interview with the TeamItaly captain and coach

I had the pleasure of interviewing Lorenzo Leonardini, captain of TeamItaly, and Giulia Martino, one of the team’s coaches, during the ITASEC2026 – Italian Conference on Cybersecurity, organised by the CINI Cybersecurity National Lab at the University of Cagliari. Their words offer a first-hand perspective on what it means today to represent Italy and contribute to European digital security.

The meaning of representing Italy

Lorenzo, what does it mean to represent Italy in a context where cybersecurity is increasingly a strategic and not just a technical issue?

“It is a complex question,” Leonardini explains. “During the competition, especially for first-time participants, cybersecurity is mainly experienced as a technical event and a networking opportunity. One is not always immediately aware of the strategic role these skills play at national and European level. This awareness grows with time, during the training course and especially after having had these experiences’.

Contact with companies and institutions

A central element is direct contact with the professional ecosystem. “All the projects in which we participate are supported by sponsors and industry organisations. During competitions and retreats, we have opportunities for direct contact with companies and institutions. This allows us to better understand the professional opportunities and the concrete value of the skills we are developing.”

From passion to profession in cybersecurity

This dimension helps turn a passion into a career path. “Many participants start out of personal interest and gradually discover the wider implications of cybersecurity. The course allows them to gain a more comprehensive view of the sector.”

The role of institutions and training

How important is the role of Italian institutions and national initiatives in the development of these talents?

‘It is fundamental,’ says Martino. ‘Italy has built an extremely structured training chain. There are programmes dedicated to high schools, universities and advanced training. This system allows talent to be identified and developed in a progressive way’.

The growth of the CyberChallenge.IT programme

The course has evolved significantly in recent years. “CyberChallenge.IT started in 2017 with just one university, Sapienza di Roma. Within a few years it has expanded to around 40 universities. The Italian Cybersecurity Olympiad has also helped to strengthen this ecosystem.”

The Italian model as a European reference

A distinctive element is the competition-based approach. “Many training activities are based on competitions and simulations. This approach allows students to develop technical skills in a practical way. Gamification is an extremely effective tool for learning’.

According to Martino, the Italian model represents a point of reference. “From the point of view of educational infrastructure, Italy is among the most structured countries. This makes it possible to effectively prepare young people for international competitions and the labour market’.

Building the European cybersecurity community

Do these competitions also contribute to building a European cybersecurity community?

“Yes, in a very concrete way,” Martino explains. “TheEuropean Cybersecurity Challenge was born precisely with this objective in mind. It is not only about competing, but also about fostering collaboration between participants.”

The human dimension is a central element. “Professional and personal relationships are created during these competitions. Participants come into contact with people from all over Europe and also from other continents. This encourages future collaborations.

This network contributes to the overall resilience of the European system. ” Cybersecurity is an area where collaboration is essential. Building a European community is a strategic element for the future’.

Europe as a global leader in cybersecurity

Can we say that Europe is now a global benchmark in this area?

“Yes,” Martino confirms. “Europe has developed a very competitive ecosystem. In addition to theEuropean Cybersecurity Challenge, there are international competitions such as theInternational Cybersecurity Challenge, where Team Europe competes as one team.”

The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the European model. ” Team Europe won all editions from 2022 to 2025. This demonstrates the level of preparation and quality of European training.”

The role of Capture The Flag in the career path

What role have competitions played in your personal journey?

“For me, Capture The Flag was crucial,” Martino says. “They were my entry point into the world of cybersecurity. They allowed me to develop skills, join a community and build my career path. For Lorenzo and me, they remain absolutely central: for passion, we participate in competitions and, for work, we organise them.”

The future in cybersecurity

How do you see your future in the coming years?

“Very difficult question,” Martino replies. “Most likely I will always stay within this world. The world of CTF is what got me interested in Cyber Security, it’s what allowed me to have the life I have now. My life, compared to five years ago, has completely changed. So I definitely feel like I want to stay here for a while longer. Ten years is a very broad horizon, but the world of CBC is something I am very fond of. So probably, even in 10 years time, I still see myself there in one way or another.”.

Leonardini ‘I try to focus on the present and continue to develop my skills. Cybersecurity offers many opportunities and possibilities for growth’.