Two of Italy’s biggest stars will be missing when the 2026-27 Alpine Ski World Cup begins in Sölden, Austria, later this month. Federica Brignone and Sofia Goggia are both not well enough to compete at the women’s Giant Slalom on October 24. For Brignone, the decision goes back to her continued recovery from a leg fracture she sustained in April 2025, while Goggia is still recovering from two viral infections.
Brignone underwent another operation at the end of August on her left leg, which she seriously injured in a crash in April 2025. The Italian ski racer did not compete for the majority of the 2025-26 season due to continued pain from the fracture. She briefly competed at the World Cup to qualify for the home Olympics at Cortina and surprised everyone by winning both the Super-G and the Giant Slalom despite continued pain. However, she admitted she was in pain throughout, making her performance even more impressive. Brignone underwent another surgery during which doctors removed screws and a plate from the injured leg.
The two-time Olympic champion said at the Festival dello Sport di Trento that October would remain focused on recovery. “After that, I will get back on skis and see how I feel,” Brignone said. Brignone also confirmed that she will miss the North American races in late November and early December as she continues her recovery. “For now, I am concentrating on getting healthy again,” Brignone said.
- Related: Italian Ski Racer Federica Brignone Undergoes Surgery After Persistent Pain from 2025 Leg Injury
Teammate Sofia Goggia meanwhile is still under the weather from a double viral infection that struck down the speed specialist while training in Argentina. The 2018 Olympic downhill champion and 2026 bronze medalist has been dealing with two viral infections since preparing for the season in Argentina. She was forced to abandon a training camp in Ushuaia in September after developing severe joint pain, fatigue and weakness.
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According to Goggia, doctors determined that she had contracted chikungunya after being bitten by an infected mosquito. She subsequently also contracted parvovirus B19, a virus that is more commonly associated with children but can cause significant symptoms in adults.
Goggia said the acute phase of the illnesses has passed, but she has not yet fully recovered. “There is no treatment,” Goggia said, explaining that she needs time for her body to overcome the effects of the infections. The illness has taken a significant toll on her preparation. Goggia said she experienced such severe weakness that even climbing stairs became difficult.
She has since returned to Italy, but racing is not yet possible. That rules her out of the season opener in Sölden.
The absence of both Brignone and Goggia leaves Italy without two of its biggest stars at the traditional opening race of the World Cup season. The women’s Giant Slalom in Sölden will take place on October 24, officially opening the 2026-27 Alpine Ski World Cup season.
For both Brignone and Goggia, however, the priority is recovery rather than rushing back for the first race of winter.
