Federica Pellegrini and Luis Sal are ready for the extreme challenges of the spectacular reality show 'Physical Italia'.

Bologna, August 12, 2025 — A legend of Olympic sport and one of the most influential faces in the digital world find themselves side by side in the new Netflix reality series “ Physical : 100 to 1 – Italy ,” an Italian adaptation of the famous South Korean show that has conquered millions of viewers worldwide and will be released no earlier than 2026. Federica Pellegrini and Luis Sal are among the one hundred protagonists of this format that blends entertainment, sport, and physical endurance, in a no-holds-barred competition to determine who, truly, is the strongest body in Italy .

Federica Pellegrini and TV

The participation of Federica Pellegrini, originally from Venice, marks a new stage in her post-swimming career . After leaving the pools in 2021, the Divine One has taken on new challenges, including being a judge on talent shows and a contestant on " Dancing with the Stars ." But this time, she's taking a bolder leap : in "Physical Italia," Pellegrini will compete in tests of strength , agility, and endurance against athletes from various disciplines, influencers, and complete strangers . Her name stands out not only for her sporting prestige, but also for the charisma and determination that have always distinguished her. In an arena where not only muscle, but also mental strategy counts, the former swimmer is ready to surprise again.

Who is Luis Sal?

At his side, in a very different context than he's used to, is Luis Sal , born in Bologna in 1997, a content creator and well-known face on the Italian web . After rising to prominence with viral videos on YouTube, Sal became co-host of the podcast " Muschio Selvaggio " alongside Fedez , before breaking away to relaunch it independently with his brother Martin . Over the years, he has demonstrated a unique ability to reinvent himself, while maintaining a personal and provocative style. In " Physical Italia, " he brings with him the representation of a generation raised on social media and pop culture , but determined to test themselves physically as well. His participation marks the intersection of the worlds of digital entertainment and sports, demonstrating that determination and competitive spirit are not exclusive to professional athletes.

How Physical Reality Works

The format features a series of seven elimination trials , all designed to push participants beyond their physical and mental limits . The contestants—selected from over 1,000 applicants—compete in disciplines inspired by extreme sports such as Calcio Storico Fiorentino , Hyrox , Skeleton , wrestling, and triathlon , in an escalating series of difficulty and pressure. The show's creators sought not only sculpted physiques , but also powerful personal stories and diverse backgrounds . The resulting cast, ranging in age from 22 to 60, includes well-known names in sports and entertainment, as well as outsiders ready to make their mark.

Who's in the cast?

In addition to Pellegrini and Sal, the cast also features the likes of Jury Chechi , Tania Cagnotto , Mirco Bergamasco , Elisabetta Canalis , and Alvise Rigo . But each episode promises surprises, unexpected alliances, and epic clashes. The visual heart of the show is the spectacular " hall of busts," where each contestant has their own chest sculpture : every time a contestant is eliminated, they break their bust, in a powerful visual ritual that represents their exit from the competition.

The release date

The Italian version, produced by Endemol Shine Italy , doesn't yet have an official release date, but anticipation is already high . Reality TV fans, both sports fans and non-sports fans, are curious to see how the various protagonists will perform in these completely different challenges. At the same time, there's great interest in new faces , like Sal, who could prove to be surprising outsiders.