Italian sprinter Filippo Dezza drew attention at the European Athletics Championships not only for his performance in the 200 meters but also for a distinctive "X" shaved into his hair. The 20-year-old debuted his new look on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during his first appearance for the Italian national team.
The haircut, which features an X pattern extending from the forehead to the back of the skull and ear to ear, was not a personal choice but part of a rookie initiation ritual within the Italian squad. "There is a tradition in the Italian squad that on your debut on the men’s side, they like to shave a chunk out of your hair," a BBC commentator explained.
Dezza himself confirmed the ritual and placed the responsibility on national team captain Gianmarco Tamberi. "It’s a bit of a rookie initiation ritual," Dezza stated. "So before coming here, I said, ‘It’s my absolute first national team call-up, let’s enjoy it. I’m doing the individual race too, who cares, it’s all good.’"
He added that he gave Tamberi permission to do as he wished with his hair. "In fact, right when I recited the oath, I was there with the other rookies and I told Tamberi, ‘Look, do whatever you want, I don’t care, it grows back, let’s just enjoy it.’ And so, they did."
Dezza humorously speculated about the aerodynamic benefits of his new hairstyle, saying, "I’ll definitely have less drag/air resistance in the race, that’s for sure. And let’s hope there’s a little bit of a favorable tailwind."
The initiation ritual appeared to bring luck. Dezza won his 200-meter heat with a time of 20.60 seconds. He further improved his performance in the semifinals, clocking 20.35 seconds to secure third place and qualify for the 200-meter final on Friday.