Strong Olympic influence as Italy names squad for Antalya

Italy has named a full 16-archer squad for the opening stage of the 2022 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Antalya, Turkey.

The recurve team features a strong Olympic influence with Tokyo 2020 medallists Mauro Nespoli (individual silver) and Lucilla Boari (individual bronze), joined by Federico Musolesi, Alessandro Paoli and Olympian David Pasqualucci, plus European Games Champion Tatiana Andreoli, Vanessa Landi and circuit newcomer Karen Hervat.

In the compound, the Azzurri comprise Marco Bruno, Elia Fregnan, Viviano Mior, Federico Pagnoni (world ranked number 12), Irene Franchini, Sara Ret, Paola Natali and two-time world championship gold medallist and 2016 Hyundai Archery World Cup Champion, Marcella Tonioli.

Noticeably absent is two-time circuit winner Sergio Pagni in the compound men’s line-up. Pagni has, of late, been leaning more into coaching.

He isn’t the first decorated Italian international to move towards the coach’s box. The Italian recurves in Antalya will, as they have for the past few seasons, be supported by some recognisable names from behind the line in multiple Olympic medallists Matteo Bisiani and Natalia Valeeva.

The international season begins on 18-24 April with the first stage of the 2022 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Antalya, Turkey.

Italian team for season opener

As of trials in April 2022.

Recurve men

• Mauro Nespoli
• Federico Musolesi
• Alessandro Paoli
• David Pasqualucci

Recurve women

• Lucilla Boari
• Tatiana Andreoli
• Karen Hervat
• Vanessa Landi

Compound men

• Marco Bruno
• Elia Fregnan
• Viviano Mior
• Federico Pagnoni

Compound women

• Sara Ret
• Paola Natali
• Marcella Tonioli
• Irene Franchini