Italian archery captain Mauro Nespoli has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming Mediterranean Games in Taranto due to an injury sustained during a training session, according to reports from OA Sport and Sportface. The withdrawal deals a significant blow to the Italian delegation, as the veteran archer from Voghera was considered a primary medal contender across individual, team, and mixed team events.
An Abrupt Training Injury Derails Taranto Ambitions
The sudden physical setback occurred abruptly while Nespoli was drawing his bow in practice. According to reports corroborated by OA Sport, the athlete experienced immediate pain that prevented him from completing the draw cycle. The incident forces a reshuffling of the Azzurri squad just days before the opening of the multi-sport regional games in Puglia.
Nespoli addressed his followers directly via an Instagram story, explaining the sudden nature of the problem: “Un attimo prima stai tirando…Un secondo dopo il dolore e l’arco non si apre più,” as cited by Sportface. The archer confirmed that rehabilitation has already commenced with the primary objective of returning to competitive form as quickly as possible, while expressing regret over missing the regional showcase and extending his support to the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) delegation and the Italian Archery Federation (FITARCO).
Massimiliano Mandia Steps Into the Men’s Roster
To fill the vacancy left by the team captain, FITARCO officials have called up reserve athlete Massimiliano Mandia. As detailed by OA Sport, Mandia will step directly into the men’s lineup, completing the three-man squad alongside Matteo Borsani and Francesco Gregori.
While the men’s team undergoes this late personnel adjustment, the women’s roster remains unaffected. The Italian women’s team traveling to Taranto will feature Roberta Di Francesco, Chiara Rebagliati, and Tatiana Andreoli, according to Sportface.
Impact on Italy’s Medal Prospects
The loss of Nespoli removes one of the most decorated and reliable competitors from the Italian delegation. Beyond the individual event where he stood among the favorites, his expected presence in the team competition and the mixed team category made him a multi-medal hopeful. FITARCO and the broader Italian team now turn their focus to supporting the adjusted lineup as competition in Taranto approaches.
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