A major reality competition is coming to Italy. Exclusive on Netflix, Physical Italia: da 100 a 1 turns up the heat.
One hundred contestants face grueling physical and mental trials. Only one will survive. Among them are well‑known Italians: Mirco Bergamasco, Tania Cagnotto, Elisabetta Canalis, Jury Chechi, Federica Pellegrini, Alvise Rigo, and Luis Sal.
A New Adaptation
Italy joins Physical: Asia and Physical: 100 USA with its own version of the hit competition series. The stakes are brutal: strength, endurance, agility, but also strategy, leadership, and teamwork. Contestants range in age from 22 to 60 and represent a wide range of disciplines, from triathlon and wrestling to American football and traditional Calcio Storico.
Roberta Briguglia leads editorial direction, with Tommaso Marazza as project lead and a full creative team shaping the show’s visual and narrative identity. Endemol Shine Italy, part of Banijay, produces the series, bringing experience from major titles like MasterChef Italia, Big Brother, and LOL.
Meet the Notable Competitors
Here’s who those well-known names are, and what makes them icons:
- Federica Pellegrini is Italy’s most decorated swimmer. She won Olympic silver at 16 (Athens 2004) and gold in 2008 in the 200 m freestyle. She set eleven world records and remains Italy’s top international swimming athlete.
- Tania Cagnotto is the most successful Italian diver ever. She’s the only Italian woman to win a world championship gold in diving and has claimed dozens of European medals.
- Mirco Bergamasco is a former Italian rugby international known for his versatility and long career across both rugby union and league.
- Elisabetta Canalis is an actress, model, and TV host with international reach and a long-standing presence in Italian pop culture.
- Jury Chechi is a gymnastics legend dubbed “The Lord of the Rings,” an Olympic gold medalist and multiple-time world champion.
- Luis Sal and Alvise Rigo bring energy and athleticism from digital media and heritage sports scenes, expanding the show’s generational reach.
Some of the athletes entering Physical Italia aren’t new to reality TV. Several have competed in previous shows or appeared in crossover formats, while mantaining their leadership roles off the field. Tania Cagnotto now serves on the executive board of Italy’s National Olympic Committee (CONI), while figures like Bergamasco and Pellegrini have built careers in coaching, governance, or business.
What to Expect
- Group dynamics: Contestants must navigate alliances, strategy, and leadership roles.
- Physical intensity: Each challenge pushes limits in strength, stamina, and resilience.
- Steady eliminations: The field narrows from 100 to one final winner.
The show’s signature “hall of busts” image presents all 100 contestants in a powerful group moment, while promo shots highlight the most recognizable faces among the cast.
