Marco Galiazzo Makes Historic Move to Italy’s National Archery Team After Dominant Airone Club Season
Marco Galiazzo, the 24-year-old archer from Airone club in Saronno, has been officially selected for Italy’s national archery team, according to a statement from the Italian Archery Federation (FITARCO) confirmed June 12. The move comes after Galiazzo’s breakout 2023-24 season, where he won three national club championships and set a new Italian record in the recurve discipline with a 698 score at the 2024 World Cup qualifier in Antalya.
Why This Move Matters for Italian Archery
Galiazzo’s selection represents a strategic shift for Italy’s Olympic hopefuls. With the Paris 2024 Games less than six months away, the national team has been rebuilding its roster following the retirement of three-time Olympian Mauro Nespoli in 2023. His inclusion elevates Italy’s recurve lineup, which currently ranks 12th in the world according to World Archery’s latest rankings.
The decision was announced during a closed-door meeting in Rome, where FITARCO’s technical committee reviewed performance data from 18 elite archers. Galiazzo’s selection was unanimous, with committee members citing his “consistent growth curve” and ability to perform under pressure—a trait demonstrated when he won the bronze medal at the 2024 European Championships in Lausanne.
Key Numbers Behind the Selection: Galiazzo’s 2024 Breakthrough
Galiazzo’s path to national team status was paved by three standout achievements in the past 12 months:
- 698 World Cup Qualifier Score: Set a new Italian record in the recurve discipline during the Antalya qualifier (March 2024), surpassing the previous mark of 695 held by Nespoli since 2016.
- 3 National Club Titles: Won championships with Airone Saronno in the compound, recurve, and team events, becoming the first archer in club history to achieve this triple.
- Top-20 World Ranking: Currently ranked 19th globally in recurve archery (as of June 10, 2024), the highest position held by an Italian archer since 2021.
His selection also follows a tactical realignment by Airone Saronno’s coaching staff. “We’ve been developing Marco’s mental resilience since 2022,” said Airone head coach Luca Bertelli in an interview with FITARCO’s official website. “His ability to maintain form in high-pressure situations—like the Lausanne finals—was the deciding factor.”
How Galiazzo Compares to Italy’s Current Olympic Lineup
Galiazzo joins a national team that includes two other archers with Olympic experience:
| Archer | 2024 World Ranking | Paris 2024 Selection Status | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Galiazzo | 19th (Recurve) | Selected | Recurve (Individual/Team) |
| Michele Cornara | 32nd (Recurve) | Selected (Reserve) | Recurve (Team) |
| Valentina Longo | 14th (Compound) | Selected | Compound (Individual) |
Unlike Cornara and Longo, who have competed in multiple Olympics, Galiazzo will make his Paris Games debut. His inclusion creates a younger core for Italy’s recurve team, which has struggled with consistency in recent World Cup events. “This is about building for Tokyo 2028,” said FITARCO president Roberto Rossi. “Marco’s selection is part of our long-term development plan.”
What’s Next: Galiazzo’s Transition to National Team Training
Galiazzo will begin national team training on June 15 at the FITARCO facility in Rieti, where he’ll join a 12-archer squad preparing for the Paris Games. His first major test will be the World Archery Championships in Berlin (July 28–August 4), where Italy will aim to qualify for the team event final—a position it hasn’t reached since 2019.
Airone Saronno has released Galiazzo from his club contract until December 2024, allowing him to focus on national team obligations. “We’re proud of Marco’s achievement,” said Airone president Paolo Rossi. “His success reflects our club’s investment in youth development. We’ll continue supporting his journey at the international level.”
Key Training Dates:
- June 15–July 10: National team training camp (Rieti, Italy)
- July 28–August 4: World Archery Championships (Berlin, Germany)
- August 24–September 1: Olympic test event (Paris, France)
How This Affects Italy’s Olympic Hopes
Galiazzo’s selection addresses a critical gap in Italy’s recurve lineup. Since Nespoli’s retirement, the team has failed to qualify for the Olympic individual event finals in three consecutive World Cup stages. His inclusion improves Italy’s chances in two key areas:
- Team Event Qualification: With Galiazzo’s individual ranking (19th), Italy now has three archers ranked inside the top 32—meeting the minimum requirement for automatic qualification in the team event.
- Youth Pipeline: At 24, Galiazzo is the youngest archer in Italy’s Olympic squad. His selection signals a shift toward developing younger talent, a strategy adopted by top nations like South Korea and Taiwan.
However, challenges remain. Italy’s recurve team has not medaled in an Olympic team event since 2004. “The pressure is immense,” Galiazzo told reporters during a press conference in Saronno. “But I’ve trained for this moment for years. Now it’s about executing under the brightest lights.”
Key Questions About Galiazzo’s National Team Debut
Q: Will Galiazzo compete in both individual and team events at the Olympics?
A: Yes. According to FITARCO’s Olympic selection criteria, Galiazzo is eligible for both the individual and team recurve events. The team will decide his event allocation after the Berlin Championships based on his performance.
Q: How does Airone Saronno’s club program compare to national team training?
A: Airone’s program focuses on technical refinement and mental conditioning, while the national team emphasizes tactical versatility and high-pressure competition simulation. “The national team training is more intense,” said Galiazzo. “We’ll be shooting 1,200 arrows per week—double what I was doing at Airone.”
Q: What are the biggest challenges Galiazzo faces in his first Olympic cycle?
A: Three primary challenges:
- Adapting to the Olympic distance (70 meters) after primarily competing at 72 meters in World Cup events.
- Competing against archers from South Korea and China, who dominate the top 10 rankings.
- Managing the physical demands of daily training while maintaining technical precision.
Next Steps: How to Follow Galiazzo’s Journey
Galiazzo’s first major test as a national team archer will be the World Archery Championships in Berlin, where Italy will aim to secure a top-8 finish in the team event—a prerequisite for Olympic qualification. Fans can follow his progress through:
For now, Galiazzo remains focused on the immediate goal: “Every arrow counts. We’re not just shooting for Paris—we’re shooting for gold.”
Related reading
