The 63rd Italian Outdoor Archery Championships kicks off this July in Rovereto, transforming the northern Italian city into the epicenter of national archery for four days of high-stakes competition. From July 17 to 20, 900 archers from across Italy will converge at the Palakosmos arena, a state-of-the-art facility that has become a hub for both elite and grassroots archery in recent years.

What’s at Stake in Rovereto

The championships will crown national champions in three divisions: barebow (arco nudo), compound, and recurve. These titles carry significant weight for Italy’s archers, particularly those eyeing international competitions later this year. The event serves as a critical proving ground for athletes preparing for the 2026 World Archery Championships in South Korea, where Olympic and Paralympic quotas will be on the line.

For the first time, the championships will feature a fully integrated schedule, with youth categories (Allievi and Ragazzi) competing alongside senior divisions. The mixed-team events on opening day will set the tone for the competition, offering a glimpse of Italy’s depth in the sport.

Key Storylines to Watch

The defending champions will face stiff challenges in all divisions, with several high-profile matchups already shaping up:

• Recurve: Loredana Spera, the reigning women’s champion, will defend her title against Ginevra Landi, a rising star in Italy’s national team. On the men’s side, Emiliano Rampon and Francesco Poerio Piterà will battle for the top spot, with both archers looking to secure their places in the national squad for the World Championships.
• Compound: Michea Godano and Lorenzo Gubbini will go head-to-head in the men’s division, while Giulia Di Nardo and Paola Natale will vie for the women’s title. Both reigning champions are aiming to repeat their 2024 victories, but the competition is expected to be fierce.
• Barebow: Linda Grezzani and Fabia Rovatti will face off in the women’s final, while Simone Barbieri and Giuseppe Seimandi will compete for the men’s title. Barebow, a discipline that emphasizes traditional archery techniques, has seen a surge in popularity in Italy, and this year’s finals promise to be among the most competitive yet.

The Venue: Palakosmos Arena

The Palakosmos arena, located in Rovereto’s Vallagarina region, has quickly established itself as one of Italy’s premier archery venues. The facility, which hosted the Italian Para-Archery Championships earlier this month, features cutting-edge infrastructure designed to accommodate large-scale competitions. Its climate-controlled environment and advanced target systems craft it an ideal setting for high-level archery, particularly in the unpredictable summer weather of northern Italy.

For this year’s championships, organizers have introduced a few logistical improvements to enhance the experience for athletes and spectators alike. A water dispenser with a cooling system will be available on-site, encouraging participants to bring reusable bottles. The venue’s on-site bar will offer a variety of snacks and meals, ensuring that archers can refuel between rounds without leaving the competition area.

How to Follow the Championships

Fans can catch all the action from Rovereto through multiple channels:

• Live Streaming: The finals will be broadcast in real-time on YouArco, the official YouTube channel of the Italian Archery Federation (FITARCO). A highlights package will as well air on Rai Sport in the days following the event.
• Social Media: Updates, results, and behind-the-scenes content will be shared on FITARCO’s official social media channels, including Instagram and Twitter.
• On-Site: Spectators are welcome to attend the championships in person. Parking is available near the Palakosmos arena, though organizers recommend arriving early due to high demand. For those traveling from outside the region, Rovereto offers a range of accommodations, though availability may be limited during the event.

Schedule of Finals (July 20)

All times listed are local (CEST, UTC+2):

Why This Event Matters for Italian Archery

The Italian Outdoor Archery Championships are more than just a national competition—they are a critical stepping stone for athletes aiming to represent Italy on the global stage. With the 2026 World Archery Championships just two months away, the results in Rovereto will play a pivotal role in determining which archers earn spots on the national team.

The championships also highlight the growing popularity of archery in Italy, particularly among younger athletes. The inclusion of youth categories in this year’s event reflects FITARCO’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of archers. For many of these young competitors, the championships offer a rare opportunity to test their skills against senior athletes, providing invaluable experience ahead of future international competitions.

What’s Next for Italy’s Archers

Following the championships, the focus will shift to the final preparations for the World Archery Championships, which begin on September 15 in Busan, South Korea. The Italian national team will hold a training camp in August to fine-tune their strategies and assess the form of their top archers.

For fans of the sport, the next major event on the calendar is the European Grand Prix, scheduled for late August in Berlin. Several of Italy’s top archers are expected to compete, offering another chance to gauge their readiness for the World Championships.

Key Takeaways

• 900 archers will compete in Rovereto from July 17–20 for national titles in barebow, compound, and recurve divisions.
• The championships serve as a critical tune-up for Italy’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Archery Championships in South Korea.
• Defending champions in all divisions will face strong challenges from rising stars and veteran competitors.
• The Palakosmos arena, a state-of-the-art facility, will host the event, with live streaming available on YouArco and highlights on Rai Sport.
• Youth categories will compete alongside senior divisions, reflecting Italy’s commitment to developing the next generation of archers.

FAQ

What are the different divisions in the Italian Outdoor Archery Championships?

The championships feature three divisions: barebow (arco nudo), compound, and recurve. Barebow emphasizes traditional archery techniques without modern aids like sights or stabilizers. Compound bows use a system of pulleys to reduce the effort required to hold the bow at full draw, while recurve bows are the type used in Olympic competition.

How can I watch the championships if I’m not in Italy?

The finals will be streamed live on YouArco, the official YouTube channel of FITARCO. A highlights package will also air on Rai Sport in the days following the event.

What is the significance of the mixed-team events?

The mixed-team events, which seize place on the opening day of the championships, are a relatively novel addition to the competition. They provide an opportunity for archers to showcase their versatility and teamwork, as well as offering a preview of Italy’s depth in each division. Mixed-team results can also influence team selections for international competitions.

Who are the favorites to win in the recurve division?

In the women’s recurve division, Loredana Spera, the reigning champion, is the favorite, but she will face a strong challenge from Ginevra Landi, a rising star in Italy’s national team. On the men’s side, Emiliano Rampon and Francesco Poerio Piterà are the top contenders, with both archers looking to secure their places in the national squad for the World Championships.