Francesco Gregori, an archer representing the Marina Militare sports group, claimed his first Italian national title in the recurve category at the Campionati di Tiro di Campagna, held in Benevento and Vitulano from September 18 to 20. The victory, secured in a final against Massimiliano Mandia of the Fiamme Azzurre, marked a milestone for Francesco, who also earned a senior individual silver medal in the same event.
Final Decided in Extra Arrow
The gold medal match, contested at the Rocca dei Rettori in Benevento’s historic center, saw Gregori overcome Mandia with a final score of 64 to 61. The contest, resolved at the spareggio with the tiro that gave him the title, concluded with the arrow that cemented Gregori’s place. “Un successo prestigioso che ci riempie d’orgoglio e arricchisce un medagliere già straordinario”, hanno commentato la sindaca Daniela Angelini e l’assessore allo Sport Simone Imola, rivolgendosi a Gregori e all’Arco Club Riccione. “È una grande soddisfazione vedere portare il nome di Riccione sul gradino più alto d’Italia”.
Mandia had advanced to the final. His score in the final fell just short of Gregori’s 64 to 61. The result added to Gregori’s season, which included two golds, one silver, and two bronzes.
2026: A Season of Breakthroughs
Gregori’s 2026 campaign featured a cammino costellato di podi, battaglie all’ultima freccia e conferme di un talento ormai maturo. Ai Campionati italiani di classe Gregori ha conquistato due medaglie di bronzo: la prima nella gara individuale della divisione olimpica e la seconda nella competizione a squadre, condivisa sul podio con i compagni dell’Arco Club Riccione Simone Vernocchi e Nicolay Vinogradov. However, it was his performance in the national finals that solidified his status.
“Un successo prestigioso che ci riempie d’orgoglio e arricchisce un medagliere già straordinario – hanno dichiarato la sindaca Daniela Angelini e l’assessore allo Sport Simone Imola –. A Francesco e all’Arco Club Riccione vanno i complimenti di tutta la nostra comunità. È una grande soddisfazione vedere portare il nome di Riccione sul gradino più alto d’Italia”.
The win came after Gregori’s showing at the Giochi del Mediterraneo di Taranto 2026, where he reached the individual recurve final, defeating Olympic champion Mete Gazoz in the semifinals. Though he finished with an argento, securing silver was a result for his palmarès. Gregori also contributed to the fourth-place finish in the men’s team event with the maglia della Nazionale.
International Successes
Gregori’s season extended to the tappa di Madrid dei Campionati del mondo, where he claimed a bronzo nelle gare a squadra as part of Italy’s team. His ability to perform was evident in his semifinal victory over Gazoz.
Gregori’s success in Madrid added to his accolades.
Community Celebrates a Rising Star
The victory in Benevento was celebrated for the riccionese Francesco Gregori. The Arco Club Riccione teammates include Simone Vernocchi and Nicolay Vinogradov.
La sindaca Daniela Angelini e l’assessore allo Sport Simone Imola commented on the success, noting it enriches an already extraordinary medal collection and brings the name of Riccione to the highest step in Italy.
What’s Next for Gregori?
With his national title secured, Gregori’s season included successes at the Giochi del Mediterraneo di Taranto 2026 and the tappa di Madrid dei Campionati del mondo.
Gregori’s journey from Riccione features his titles and medals in the 2026 season.
