Now past the halfway point of the Giro, we can say that the Italian riders are not only present, but are making a strong showing. Always attacking in every stage, practically always in the top ten and in the general classification, Antonio Tiberi and Giulio Ciccone are respectively in third and seventh position. Yesterday in the twelfth stage of the pink race finishing in Viadana, national coach Marco Villa was also present, carefully watching the work of his "boys" in search of interesting insights, but also of young talents who are gradually making their mark in the peloton.

«I'm really enjoying the Italian riders who are somehow always protagonists. Unfortunately, we haven't won a stage yet, but we came very close, for example in Matera with Edoardo Zambanini, winning in front of Mads Pedersen who dominated the first part of the Giro would have been amazing. In Siena, I really liked Ciccone's race strategy, while Edoardo Affini as usual has been fantastic in the time trials, then there's Lorenzo Fortunato who is currently the GPM classification leader and is making himself noticed. He's an excellent rider, but above all an attacker who isn't afraid to dare - I believe that's exactly the spirit a rider should have.» Marco Villa told tuttobiciweb, providing a comprehensive overview of the Azzurri in the race who are distinguishing themselves on every type of terrain.

In terms of the general classification, all eyes are on Tiberi, who has now reached his definitive test, but also on Giulio Ciccone, who according to Villa could dare even a bit more. «Antonio Tiberi is a talented young rider having an excellent Giro, especially supported by an experienced rider like Damiano Caruso who, among other things, is in great form. It's crucial to have a reference point like him, but often that's not enough - he'll need to approach the third week in the right form and most importantly, manage himself well. - Villa continues - Giulio Ciccone is also well-positioned in the general classification and, unlike Tiberi, before the Giro at Liège he showed he has great legs. Now he should just take more risks, be more daring and attack, but I believe his moment will come with the big mountains. Giulio is an excellent team rider, we've seen him work multiple times for Pedersen, just like Jacopo Mosca, we absolutely must not forget what he does every day. The little scene between him and the Danish rider with the subsequent haircut is proof that there's a bond of friendship and absolute trust between them.»

There's little to say - the Italians are taking their slice of a Giro that for now is more contested than ever. The big mountains are approaching and Tiberi, currently third at 1'09" from Isaac del Toro, is on the launch pad to make his mark. The scenarios that can open up are multiple, but who will be the winner according to Marco Villa? «At the start of the Giro, I was betting on Primoz Roglic as the favorite because he's an experienced athlete, and especially because of how he raced in Catalunya, winning in front of Ayuso. However, we must consider that we're talking about a 3-week race. On the other hand, there's UAE with an incredible armada. Juan Ayuso is not at his first big Giro, he knows how to win, and Isaac del Toro is only partially a surprise - they are both talented young riders who will provide great entertainment in the coming days.»

Today the thirteenth stage will be raced and meanwhile Marco Villa continues his scouting work, chatting, asking for opinions, but above all carefully observing all the Azzurri without overlooking any detail, from the most well-known names to the emerging talents. «My advice to the Italian riders for the next few days is to continue making themselves noticed. I'm right here to be surprised. Some are certainly athletes more known to the general public, but there are many others ready to have their say. The Giro is an important context where it's not always easy to leave a mark, but I believe our young riders have the strength to do so.»