Youth Precision: Arcieri delle Due Tigri Secure Spots for Trofeo Pinocchio National Finals

The road to the national championships has a new set of footprints from Villadose. In a display of poise and precision, two young athletes from the Arcieri delle Due Tigri archery club have punched their tickets to the national finals of the Trofeo Pinocchio, marking a high point for the polesana society during the regional summer phase.

The competition took place on the first Sunday of May in the historic setting of the ex Foro Boario, situated within the walls of the Castello Carrarese di Este (Padova). Organized by the Arcieri Niche, the event combined the atmospheric weight of Italian history with the high-tension environment of youth competitive archery.

Podium Finishes and National Qualification

For the Arcieri delle Due Tigri, the day was defined by two standout performances that guaranteed a presence on the regional stage. Diego Ferracin delivered a dominant performance in the Ragazzi 2014 category, capturing first place. This victory is particularly significant for Ferracin, as it marks his second consecutive year qualifying for the Veneto regional representative team, cementing his status as a consistent force in his age group.

Joining him on the podium was Giacomo Neodo, who secured a second-place finish in the Ragazzi 2013 class. For Neodo, the result represents a breakthrough achievement, reflecting a year of significant technical and athletic growth that has now culminated in a direct pass to the national stage.

While the podium captures the headlines, the depth of the Villadose contingent was evident. Andrea Mazzuccato narrowly missed the top three, finishing in a respectable fourth place in the Ragazzi 2014 category. Meanwhile, Emanuel Zanardi made his debut on the firing line among the Giovanissimi, finishing 15th—a solid introduction to the pressures of regional competition.

The Stakes: Defending the Title in Terni

The Trofeo Pinocchio is more than just a regional trophy; it is a pipeline for the best youth talent in Italy. By securing podium finishes, Ferracin and Neodo have earned their spots on the Veneto regional team. This squad carries a heavy burden of expectation as they prepare to travel to Terni in June for the national finals.

The Veneto representatives aren’t just competing for a trophy; they are defending the title of Italian Champion, which they secured last year. The addition of fresh talent like Neodo, paired with the returning experience of Ferracin, provides the regional team with a balanced roster as they look to maintain their dominance in the sport.

For the global archery community, these regional events highlight the rigorous development path for youth athletes in Italy. The transition from local club competition to the “firing line” of a castle courtyard, and eventually to a national final, builds the mental fortitude required for elite-level sport.

The next major checkpoint for these athletes will be the national finals in Terni this June, where the Veneto team will attempt to repeat their gold-medal success from the previous season.

Do you follow youth archery or the road to the Italian championships? Share your thoughts or support for the Veneto team in the comments below.