Where to look for sporting satisfaction
2018, 2022, and 2026: unfortunately, the Italian national team has failed to qualify for the World Cup for three consecutive years. The play-offs have once again brought bitter disappointment for the Azzurri, who will be left out (barring the sensational possibility of a repechage, which is always a hot topic in these situations) after being eliminated by Sweden, Macedonia, and Bosnia. A tough blow, no doubt, considering we're talking about a glorious national team that has been making dreams come true since 1934, but we have to accept it. Football isn't the only sport in Italy, and—hear, hear—you can also support other Azzurri, with guaranteed satisfaction. This is the case with shooting, which consistently remains at the top and never disappoints its fans. The third place for the green, white and red team in the overall medal table of the Olympic Games is a clear testimony to this: up until Paris 2024, in fact, the Italian shooters have managed to conquer 17 golds, 18 silvers and 12 bronzes, for a total of 47 medals that leave us trailing only the superpowers United States and China.
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Not just the Olympics
At this point, one might argue that the Olympics (Bacosi and Rossetti's gold medal in Mixed Skeet two years ago is still a powerful emotion) are the only opportunity to admire this sport in all its forms. Nothing could be further from the truth; clay shooting is constantly active and never fails to hit its targets. For example, two weeks ago, our athletes made a great impression at the ISSF World Cup in Tangier, Morocco: their dominance in the Women's Trap event, with Erica Sessa taking gold and Jessica Rossi taking silver, was the icing on the cake. Not to mention what happened last July, with the splendid hat trick in Trap (Pellielo taking gold, Stanco taking silver, and De Filippis taking bronze) at the World Cup in Lonato del Garda. Simply put, clay shooting is never boring, and the odds of an Italian victory are always very high.
Spoiled for choice
A passion that has been highlighted by the large participation in the seasonal championships organized by FITAV, as well as those organized by hunting associations, confirming a healthy movement that attracts both old and new generations. A "healthy" movement that deserves much greater attention, not the usual crumbs that other sports, especially soccer, leave to other disciplines. Let's start cheering on these ambitious and successful Azzurri, and the memories of the missed World Cup will surely fade.
