July 2, 2012

(JTA) — Avid followers of the Italian Jewish sports world need not despair following Italy’s loss in the European Soccer Championship final last night.

Soccer star Mario Balotelli, foster son of an Italian Jewish mother, may not have delivered in the 4-0 loss to Spain, but another Italian Jewish athlete, tennis player Camila Giorgi, plays for a spot in the Wimbledon quarter-finals today, according to the Times of Israel.

Giorgi, 20, took a spot as one of the tournament’s final 16 players after winning six straight matches — including victories over the 16th and 20th seeds. Before the tournament, she was ranked 145th in the world.

The Jewish Chronicle has reported that the Israeli Tennis Federation may offer Giorgi $100,000 to immigrate to Israel in return for 30 percent of her prize money during the next few years. Her father, Sergio, is reportedly negotiating the terms of the deal with the Federation.

Don’t miss out! Get the JTA Daily Briefing delivered FREE to your inbox!

Click to login and write a letter to the editor.

This article was made possible by the support of readers like you. Donate to JTA now.