Francesco Panetta

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Francesco Panetta (born 10 January 1963 in Siderno) is a former Italian long-distance runner who specialized in the 3000 metres steeplechase. He competed for Pro Patria Milano and was coached by Giorgio Rondelli.

Panetta’s biggest moment came at the 1987 World Championships in Rome, where he won the gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase. The previous year he earned a silver medal at the European Championships in Stuttgart, finishing just behind Hagen Melzer. He also finished ninth in the 3000m steeplechase at the 1988 Olympic Games. In 1990 he won the European Championships in Split in the same event.

Panetta set several Italian records during his career, including the 3000m steeplechase in 8:08.57 (1987), which remains an Italian record, and strong times in the 5000m and 10000m.

Personal bests:
- 3000 m steeplechase: 8:08.57 (1987) – Italian record
- 5000 m: 13:06.76 (1994)
- 10000 m: 27:24.16 (1989)