Francesco Gregori Claims First Italian Indoor Archery Title
ROME – Francesco Gregori, representing the Marina Militare (Italian Navy), secured his first Italian Indoor Archery Championship title in the Olympic recurve division this past February at the Nuova Fiera di Roma. The victory marks a career milestone for the archer from Riccione, culminating in a dramatic final decided by the narrowest of margins.
The competition, which concluded on March 1st, saw Gregori navigate a challenging bracket, ultimately facing Matteo Borsani in the gold medal match. Prior to the individual triumph, Gregori contributed to a successful showing for Arco Club Riccione, earning two bronze medals – one in the individual event and another as part of the team alongside Simone Vernocchi and Nicolay Vinogradov, coached by Raimondo Luponetti.
A Final Decided by Millimeters
The final between Gregori and Borsani was a masterclass in precision and composure. The archers traded blows, opening with a perfect 29-29 tie and continuing to deliver consistent high scores throughout the match. Multiple sets saw both competitors achieve a flawless 30, demonstrating exceptional accuracy. The deadlock persisted until the final volée, which also ended in a 29-29 draw, setting the stage for a tense shoot-off.
In the shoot-off, both Gregori and Borsani hit the 9-ring. Although, a meticulous measurement by the judges revealed Gregori’s arrow to be marginally closer to the center, awarding him the championship title. The win was a testament to Gregori’s ability to perform under pressure and his unwavering focus throughout the competition.
Building Momentum for Arco Club Riccione
The success extends beyond Gregori’s individual achievement. Arco Club Riccione, under the presidency of Luigi Taddei, is now looking ahead to the Italian Team Championships, scheduled for March 21st and 22nd in Belforte del Chienti, in the province of Macerata. Gregori, along with teammates Nicolay Vinogradov, Fabrizio Bacchini, and Fabio Ciotti, will compete under the guidance of coach Luponetti.
The city of Riccione has expressed its pride in Gregori’s accomplishment. “Congratulations to the newly crowned Italian champion Gregori and the athletes of Arco Club Riccione,” commented Simone Imola, the city’s Sport Assessor. “We are proud that an athlete from Riccione once again reaches the top step of the podium and brings honor to our city. Congratulations also go to the Riccione club and all the sports organizations that, with dedication and daily perform, put themselves at the service of athletes, young people, and the entire city.”
A First for Both Champions
Gregori’s victory was part of a memorable day for Italian archery, as Roberta Di Francesco (Fiamme Azzurre) also claimed her first Italian Indoor Championship title in the women’s recurve division. Both finals were closely contested and ultimately decided by shoot-offs, highlighting the competitive depth within Italian archery. PiemonteSport reported on the dual first-time champions.
The 2026 Italian Indoor Championships, held at the Nuova Fiera di Roma, drew over 1300 archers, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport in Italy. The event also saw the setting of several records, signaling a bright future for Italian archery on the international stage. MilanSport detailed the record-breaking performances at the event.
For Francesco Gregori, this championship represents not only a personal triumph but also a significant step forward in his career. As he prepares for the Italian Team Championships with Arco Club Riccione, he will undoubtedly carry the momentum and confidence gained from his individual victory. The next competition will be a key indicator of the team’s potential as they aim for further success on the national stage.
The Italian archery community will be watching closely as Gregori and his teammates continue to compete, building on the success of the 2026 Indoor Championships and striving for even greater achievements in the future.
Next Up: Francesco Gregori and Arco Club Riccione will compete in the Italian Team Championships on March 21st and 22nd in Belforte del Chienti, Italy.
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