Elisa Corallo, the new Italian spearfishing champion, is preparing to represent Italy at the Euro-African Spearfishing Championship in Bar, Montenegro, scheduled for October 22–25, 2026. An event that marks an important milestone in her competitive career: the chance to compete against some of the most experienced athletes on the international scene, in waters she has yet to explore.
You can follow Elisa, the entire Italian team, and the Euro-African Championship via live stream on the Apnea Passion Magazine – Spearfishing Facebook page. To experience the competition with us—including live reports from the water and interviews with the competitors—all you need to do is subscribe for the price of a cappuccino: subscribe to the Apnea Passion Facebook page.
In an interview with Carlo Forni, editor-in-chief of Apnea Passion Magazine, Elisa talks about her feelings on the eve of the competition, her pride in wearing the Italian national team jersey, and her relationship with the sea. Balancing her desire to learn with her ambition to reach the podium, the Italian champion approaches the challenge in Montenegro with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose.
First Time at the Euro-African Championship
Carlo Forni: How do you feel about your first international competition at this level?
Elisa Corallo: Since this is my first experience at this level, it’s all still a bit of a mystery, and I won’t deny that I’m feeling a little anxious. It’s the first major competition I’m competing in outside of Italy, and I still don’t know exactly what to expect. On top of that, men and women will be competing together on the same course—it won’t be easy at all.
As a similar experience, last November I participatedin the Tenerife Open, which gave me an idea of what a mixed, international competition might be like. However, there were far fewer participants, and from that perspective, it was an easier competition to tackle.
There will be so many athletes in Montenegro , and I think I’ll meet a lot of women with extensive experience in competitions like this. For me, however, it’s all still new. Despite my lack of experience, I’m really thrilled to be participating and to have the chance to grow in this sport, even at the international level.
The Pride of Representing Italy
Carlo Forni: What does it mean to you to represent Italy in Montenegro?
Elisa Corallo: It’s a great honor, and I also feel a strong sense of responsibility. This time, I want to compete well for my country—not just for myself—and I think that’s a wonderful thing.
For my part, I’ll do my very best. Let’s hope we can all work together to make Italy proud.
Spearfishing as Freedom and Presence
Carlo Forni: What does spearfishing mean to you?
Elisa Corallo: Spearfishing has always been my refuge, a way to disconnect from the world and truly be with myself. For me, spearfishing and fishing represent the ultimate expression of the “here and now.”
When you’re immersed in that special world, surrounded by fish and all the marine life, you don’t think about anything else—you just truly enjoy the moment. When you hold your breath, you savor every single moment, every detail—even your own heartbeat.
Beyond the catch itself, the best part is just being there, by myself, and feeling truly free. And when I catch a fish, what gives me the most pleasure is cooking it well—to honor its life—and sharing it with family or friends.
Competitions: Friendship, Growth, and Creativity
Carlo Forni: What do spearfishing competitions represent, on the other hand?
Elisa Corallo: I also started competing to meet people who share my passion and to meet other girls who fish. Before the competitions, I’d never had a friend who fished; now we’re a great group.
It was wonderful to meet so many people who share this passion. It’s true that the sea creates special bonds, even in a short time.
By participating in competitions, I discovered just how rewarding it is to challenge myself—not only by competing against others, but above all by pushing my own limits. Competitions have helped me grow a lot: you learn so much by interacting with experienced people, and competing gives you that extra push to expand your abilities.
To catch a fish during a competition, I tried approaches I’d never tried before. When people told me,“If you can’t find any fish, make them up,”I didn’t understand at first. Over time, I realized that fishing also requires creativity—and it works.
When you start seeing results, it’s incredibly rewarding. Fishing in a competition is much harder than going out without the pressure of competition.
Montenegro: New Depths and Podium Ambitions
Carlo Forni: What do you expect to find in Montenegro, and what are your goals?
Elisa Corallo: I expect to face many strong athletes so I can see where I stand and how much more I need to improve in this sport.
Looking at the competition sites, I noticed very steep slopes, which make me think there might be landslides. So I might encounter a type of seabed I’m not used to fishing on. I’m really curious to find out what kinds of fish inhabit those areas and how they behave, so I can plan my strategy for the competition—even though we’ll only have a few days to prepare.
My ambitions are to aim high: I really hope to make it onto the podium and, maybe, to win—which I think is what everyone who participates hopes for. A result like that would truly be a dream come true, but I know full well that it won’t be easy at all.
I’ll do my very best. Doing the best you can is a victory in itself.
Elisa Corallo: From the Sea of Modica to the Italian National Team
Carlo Forni: Tell us a little about yourself: where were you born, where do you live, and where do you usually fish?
Elisa Corallo: I was born in Modica on April 16, 1987, and I live here, just a stone’s throw from the sea. It was in this area that I took my first steps underwater, even as a child.
I keep fishing in the area when I only have a few hours to spare, even though the seabed is almost entirely sandy, with few rocky outcrops. When I can, however, I head to Portopalo di Capo Passero and the surrounding areas, or along the eastern coast, between Portopalo and Syracuse.
When the sea is rough on the southern side, the water here often becomes murky. By moving east, I can often find more sheltered conditions and rocky bottoms where I can fish.
