DLF Alessandria Archers Shine at Trofeo Pinocchio with Silver and Bronze Medals

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

SETTIMO TORINESE, Italy — The young archers of DLF Alessandria delivered a standout performance at the Trofeo Pinocchio regional tournament, securing silver and bronze medals while showcasing the club’s growing talent pool. The competition, held on April 25, 2026, in Settimo Torinese, marked a pivotal moment for the Piedmont-based club’s youth program, with athletes aged 9 to 13 demonstrating precision and composure under pressure.

Medals and Milestones: A Breakdown of DLF Alessandria’s Performance

The DLF Alessandria team, coached by Germano Giardini and Thomas Pino, competed in the winter phase of the Trofeo Pinocchio, a regional event designed to introduce young archers to competitive shooting. The tournament featured athletes born between 2013 and 2017, with DLF Alessandria fielding competitors across all age categories in the recurve bow division.

Leading the charge was Matilde Pino, who claimed the silver medal in the 2013 age group. Her performance was a highlight for the club, as she narrowly missed the gold but outperformed several seasoned competitors. In the same category, Mirko Oteri finished fourth, just one step away from the podium.

The club’s success extended to the younger age groups, where Sonia Rapetti earned a bronze medal in the combined 2015-2017 category. Other DLF Alessandria archers also turned in strong showings, with Alida Mennella and Matteo Vanella placing fourth, Matteo Impellitteri sixth, and Enea Zecchin seventh. These results underscore the depth of talent within the club’s youth ranks.

Why the Trofeo Pinocchio Matters for Young Archers

The Trofeo Pinocchio is more than just a regional competition—it serves as a critical stepping stone for young archers in Italy. The tournament is structured to ease athletes into competitive shooting, with a focus on skill development and sportsmanship. For many participants, it represents their first exposure to formal competition, making the event a key barometer for clubs like DLF Alessandria to assess their youth programs.

“The Trofeo Pinocchio is where we witness our young archers transition from practice to performance,” said Giardini, the club’s lead coach. “It’s not just about winning medals; it’s about learning how to handle pressure, refine technique, and grow as athletes.”

The event also provides a platform for scouts and regional selectors to identify emerging talent. With Italy’s archery scene gaining traction—particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 Youth Olympic Games—the stakes for tournaments like this are higher than ever. DLF Alessandria’s strong showing positions the club as a key contributor to the next generation of Italian archers.

The Coaching Philosophy Behind DLF Alessandria’s Success

DLF Alessandria’s youth program is built on a foundation of structured training and mentorship. The club’s coaching staff emphasizes a balance between technical precision and mental resilience, a philosophy that has paid dividends in competitions like the Trofeo Pinocchio.

“Medals are won in training and collected in competition,” is a mantra often repeated by the club’s coaches. This approach is evident in the way DLF Alessandria’s young archers handle high-pressure moments. For example, Matilde Pino’s silver medal came after a tightly contested final round, where she maintained her composure despite the presence of more experienced competitors.

The club’s focus on inclusivity also sets it apart. DLF Alessandria welcomes archers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors, fostering an environment where young athletes can develop at their own pace. This philosophy has helped the club build a diverse and competitive youth team, capable of excelling in both individual and team events.

What’s Next for DLF Alessandria’s Young Archers?

With the Trofeo Pinocchio now in the rearview mirror, DLF Alessandria’s young archers are turning their attention to the next challenge: the Campionato Regionale Indoor, scheduled for later this year. The regional championship will be a stiffer test, featuring some of the best young archers from across Piedmont.

For athletes like Sonia Rapetti and Matilde Pino, the goal will be to build on their recent successes and continue refining their skills. The club’s coaching staff is also eyeing the National Youth Championships, set to capture place in Venaria Reale in July 2026. With Giacomo Pino (a DLF Alessandria archer who secured silver in the 2019 edition of the Trofeo Pinocchio) already qualified for the nationals, the club has a proven track record of producing athletes capable of competing at the highest youth levels.

“Our focus now is on consistency,” said Thomas Pino, one of the club’s coaches. “We want our archers to perform well not just in one tournament, but across the entire season. That’s how you build champions.”

Key Takeaways from DLF Alessandria’s Performance at the Trofeo Pinocchio

• Silver and Bronze Medals: Matilde Pino (2013 age group) and Sonia Rapetti (2015-2017 age group) secured the club’s highest honors.
• Depth of Talent: DLF Alessandria fielded multiple top-10 finishers, including fourth-place finishes for Mirko Oteri, Alida Mennella, and Matteo Vanella.
• Coaching Impact: The club’s emphasis on mental resilience and technical precision was evident in its athletes’ performances.
• Pathway to Nationals: The Trofeo Pinocchio serves as a qualifying event for higher-level competitions, including the National Youth Championships.
• Inclusivity: DLF Alessandria’s open-door policy has helped cultivate a diverse and competitive youth program.

How to Follow DLF Alessandria’s Journey

For fans and supporters looking to stay updated on DLF Alessandria’s progress, the club’s official website (Arcieri DLF Alessandria) provides news, event schedules, and results. The club is also active on social media, where it shares training updates and competition highlights.

The next major event for DLF Alessandria’s youth team is the Campionato Regionale Indoor, with dates to be announced soon. Archysport will continue to cover the club’s progress as it prepares for the regional and national stages.

Have thoughts on DLF Alessandria’s performance? Share your comments below or join the conversation on social media using #DLFAlessandria.