Piemonte Archers Lead Italy to Medal Surge at Antalya European Grand Prix
ANTALYA, Turkey — April 28, 2026
The Italian archery team, powered by a strong contingent from the northern region of Piemonte, delivered a commanding performance at the 2026 European Grand Prix in Antalya, securing multiple medals in team and mixed team events. The results mark a promising start to the international season for the Azzurri, who now turn their focus to the upcoming European Championships in June.
Piemonte’s Medal Haul Lights Up Antalya
The European Grand Prix, held April 24–27 at the Antalya Archery Field, served as the first major competition of the 2026 season for many of Europe’s top archers. Italy’s team, featuring several athletes from Piemonte, made an immediate impact, particularly in the team and mixed team disciplines.
According to official results from World Archery, the Italian mixed team of Mauro Nespoli and Tatiana Andreoli claimed gold in the recurve division, defeating a strong French duo in the final. The victory was part of a broader medal surge for the Azzurri, who as well secured silver in the men’s team recurve event and bronze in the women’s team recurve.
“This was a fantastic way to open the season,” said Nespoli, a two-time Olympic medalist from Piemonte. “The team worked incredibly well together, and we’re excited to build on this momentum.”
Key Performances and Turning Points
The Italian team’s success in Antalya was built on strong performances across multiple events. Here are the standout moments from the competition:
- Mixed Team Gold: Nespoli and Andreoli, both representing Piemonte-based clubs, combined for a dominant run in the mixed team recurve event. Their final match against France was decided by a single point, with Italy prevailing 5–4 in a tense shoot-off.
- Men’s Team Silver: Italy’s men’s recurve team, featuring Piemonte archers Nespoli and Alessandro Paoli, fell just short of gold, losing to the Netherlands in the final. The match was tied after four sets before the Dutch pulled ahead in the fifth.
- Women’s Team Bronze: The Italian women’s recurve team, including Piemonte’s Vanessa Landi, secured bronze with a decisive victory over Germany. Landi, competing in her first major international event of the season, delivered clutch performances in the team rounds.
The results underscore the depth of Italy’s archery program, particularly in Piemonte, which has become a hub for elite talent. The region’s archers have consistently contributed to the national team’s success in recent years, including podium finishes at the 2024 European Championships and the 2025 World Cup.
By the Numbers: Italy’s Medal Breakdown
| Event | Medal | Opponent in Final | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed Team Recurve | Gold | France | 5–4 (shoot-off) |
| Men’s Team Recurve | Silver | Netherlands | 3–5 |
| Women’s Team Recurve | Bronze | Germany | 5–3 |
What In other words for Italy’s Archery Season
The medals in Antalya provide a significant confidence boost for Italy as the team prepares for the 2026 European Outdoor Archery Championships, scheduled for June 15–22 in Munich, Germany. The European Championships will serve as a critical qualifying event for the 2027 World Archery Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Antalya was a great test for us,” said Italian head coach Marco Galiazzo. “We saw where we need to improve, particularly in the individual events, but the team performances were exactly what we wanted to see. The focus now shifts to Munich, where we’ll be aiming for Olympic qualification spots.”
Individual events in Antalya were more challenging for the Italians, with no medals secured in the men’s or women’s recurve competitions. However, the team’s strong showing in the mixed and team events suggests that Italy remains a force to be reckoned with in the lead-up to the Olympics.
Tactical Takeaways: Why Italy Succeeded in Team Events
Italy’s success in Antalya was no accident. The team’s performance was built on several key tactical elements:
- Consistency Under Pressure: The mixed team of Nespoli and Andreoli demonstrated remarkable composure in the shoot-off against France, with both archers hitting 9s and 10s in critical moments. This ability to perform under pressure will be crucial in future competitions.
- Depth of Talent: The inclusion of Piemonte archers like Landi and Paoli provided Italy with a deep bench, allowing the team to rotate athletes without sacrificing performance. This depth will be vital as the season progresses and injuries or fatigue become factors.
- Coaching Strategy: Galiazzo’s decision to prioritize team events in Antalya paid off, with the Italian squad focusing on synchronization, and communication. The team’s ability to read wind conditions and adjust their shots accordingly was particularly effective in Antalya’s variable weather.
What’s Next for Italy’s Archers?
The Italian team will now return to training camps in Piemonte and other regions to prepare for the European Championships in Munich. Key storylines to watch include:
- Olympic Qualification: The European Championships will offer Italy a chance to secure quota spots for the 2028 Olympics. The team’s performance in Antalya suggests they are on track, but individual events will be critical.
- Individual Breakthroughs: While the team events were a success, Italy will need stronger performances in individual competitions to challenge for medals at the highest level. Look for archers like Andreoli and Landi to push for podium finishes in Munich.
- Youth Development: Piemonte’s archery clubs have been a hotbed for young talent, and the region’s athletes will be closely watched as they transition to senior-level competitions.
How to Follow Italy’s Archery Season
Fans can stay updated on Italy’s archery team through the following official channels:
- Federazione Italiana Tiro con L’Arco (FITARCO) — Italy’s national archery federation
- World Archery — Official results and rankings
- FITARCO on Instagram — Behind-the-scenes content and updates
Key Takeaways
- Italy’s archers, led by a strong Piemonte contingent, secured gold in the mixed team recurve event and silver in the men’s team recurve at the 2026 European Grand Prix in Antalya.
- The team’s success was built on consistency, depth of talent, and effective coaching strategies, particularly in team events.
- The European Championships in Munich (June 15–22) will be the next major test for Italy as they aim to qualify for the 2028 Olympics.
- Individual events remain a focus for improvement, with archers like Tatiana Andreoli and Vanessa Landi poised for breakthroughs.
The Antalya Grand Prix may have been the first major event of the season, but for Italy’s archers, the road to Los Angeles is just beginning. With a strong foundation in place, the Azzurri are poised to make their mark on the international stage once again.
What do you think of Italy’s performance in Antalya? Will the team secure Olympic qualification in Munich? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow Archysport for more coverage of the 2026 archery season.
