Arcieri delle Alpi Claim Regional Women’s Team Gold in Luna Nuova
The Italian archery team Arcieri delle Alpi made history on Saturday, securing the regional women’s team gold medal at the Luna Nuova Championship in the Veneto region. The victory marks a significant milestone for the squad, which has been steadily rising in national rankings over the past two seasons. The competition, held at the Palazzo del Tiro a Volo in Verona, drew top archery teams from across northern Italy, with Arcieri delle Alpi emerging as clear victors in a tightly contested final.
What Happened: A Triumph in Verona
The final match between Arcieri delle Alpi and Arco di Riva was a showcase of precision and composure. The Veneto-based team, known for their aggressive tactics and technical skill, clinched the gold with a score of 234-228 in the 12-arrow team final. The victory came after a grueling week of preliminary rounds, where Arcieri delle Alpi advanced through the knockout stages with a 6-1 record, including a 240-235 win over regional powerhouses Arco di Trento in the semifinals.
Key performances came from Giulia Moretti, who posted a tournament-high 288 points across three rounds, and Isabella Ricci, whose final arrow in the championship match landed in the 10-ring to seal the win. “This feels incredible,” Ricci said after the match. “We’ve worked so hard to get here, and it’s surreal to stand on top of the podium.”
Why It Matters: A New Era for Italian Archery
The win elevates Arcieri delle Alpi to the forefront of Italian archery, positioning them as strong contenders for the National Team Championships in October. The team’s success also highlights the growing competitiveness of regional teams in the sport, which has traditionally been dominated by larger metropolitan clubs. “This victory proves that regional squads can compete at the highest level,” said Marco Bianchi, president of the Veneto Archery Federation. “It’s a win for grassroots archery in Italy.”
The championship’s format, which includes both individual and team events, has drawn praise for its ability to showcase talent at multiple levels. The Luna Nuova event, now in its 12th year, has become a key qualifier for the Italian Archery Federation‘s national team selection process.
Key Moments: The Final Stretch
The final match was a nail-biter, with both teams trading points in the first 10 arrows. Arcieri delle Alpi took a 122-118 lead after the opening set, but Arco di Riva clawed back with a 24-point surge in the second set to take a 230-226 advantage. The deciding third set saw both teams firing at near-perfect accuracy, with Arcieri delle Alpi pulling ahead 234-228 thanks to a 10-ring hit from Ricci on the final arrow.
Notable moments included a 10-point rally by Laura Conti in the second set, who hit four consecutive 10s to close the gap, and a critical 9-ring shot from Arco di Riva’s Eleonora Vescovi that kept her team in contention. The crowd at Verona’s Palazzo del Tiro a Volo erupted in applause as the final score was announced.
Stakeholders: Players, Coaches, and Fans
The Arcieri delle Alpi squad, based in the Dolomites town of San Vito di Cadore, has been a fixture in regional competitions for over a decade. Their coach, Francesco Marchetti, credited the team’s success to their “unyielding work ethic” and “deep understanding of the sport.” Marchetti, a former Olympic archer, emphasized the importance of mental resilience: “Archery is as much about focus as it is about skill. Our girls showed incredible composure today.”
Fans from the Veneto region traveled in large numbers to support the team, with many wearing the squad’s signature blue-and-gold colors. The victory has already sparked discussions about potential sponsorships and youth development programs, as local officials look to capitalize on the team’s momentum.
What’s Next: The Road to Nationals
With the regional title secured, Arcieri delle Alpi will now prepare for the Italian National Team Championships, scheduled for October 15-18 in Bologna. The team will also participate in
