Three days after dominating the Western Region leg of the Longines EEF Series in Deauville, Italy did it again. This time under the Greek sun in Thessaloniki. Solid, consistent, and never truly threatened, the Azzurri successfully defended their title in the Longines EEF Series Southern Region qualifier. It was a victory built with patience and precision, spearheaded by an impeccable Matteo Zamana and made even sweeter by a family story at the heart of the team's success.

Italy keeps rolling

When a nation is riding high on confidence, everything seems to come a little easier. Fresh from their teammates’ victory in Deauville on Friday, the Italian squad arrived in Greece as one of the teams to watch. They left with the trophy.

On a track designed by Andreas Stoiber, clear rounds were at a premium. Only sixteen were recorded throughout the entire competition. Yet the Italians seized control early and never looked back.

At the halfway mark, the Squadra Azzurra already led the standings on just four penalties. Germany and Türkiye were closest behind on eight faults apiece, while Brazil remained within striking distance on nine.

What followed was a masterclass in control.

Matteo Zamana, the metronome

Among the architects of the victory, Matteo Zamana delivered a flawless performance. Partnering the powerful 13-year-old stallion Captain Conner Connor x Acrobat I), he produced one of only two double-clear performances of the entire competition.

Alongside him, Roberto Turchetto and Bubalou delivered when it counted, while Bruno Chimirri and his daughter Elisa played their part with Je Suis Godot d’Acheronte and Cornico..

he result? Three clear rounds from Italy’s first three riders in the second round. More than enough to secure victory before Bruno Chimirri even needed to return to the arena.

A statement win.

A family story behind the success

Beyond the sporting result, Thessaloniki will remain a particularly special memory for Elisa Chimirri.Elisa Chimirri.

At just 22 years old, the rider was making her senior Nations Cup debut for Italy. And not just any debut, she was doing it alongside her father.

A difficult first round, which resulted in 21 penalties, could easily have shaken her confidence. Instead, the young Italian responded with a superb clear round in the second round.

A reaction that says a lot about her character.

« It was incredible to experience my first senior Nations Cup with my father. I'm very emotional and very happy. I will keep this moment in my heart forever. " she said after the competition.

Her young partner Cornico, just nine years old, also caught plenty of attention.

Germany solid, Hungary opportunistic

Behind Italy, Germany secured a clear second place on 16 penalties. The couple Thomas Mang with Grand Zara was the driving force behind the German team thanks to the only other double-clear performance of the competition.

Hungary completed the podium after a remarkable comeback. Fifth after the opening round, the Hungarians capitalised on flawless performances fromAliz Alasztics and Anna Simicska to climb into third place on 20 penalties.

While Italy celebrated the story of a father-and-daughter partnership, Brazil took the family concept even further. Olympic medallist Luiz Felipe de Azevedo travelled to Greece alongside his son, Luiz Felipe Cortizo Gonçalves de Azevedo Filho, and his two grandsons, Luiz Francisco de Azevedo and Luiz Felipe Neto de AzevedoFour members of the same family competing under the same flag — a rarity at this level. With 28 penalties, Brazil finished fourth. No podium, but certainly the biggest family reunion of the weekend.

Semi-Final spot secured

hanks to the victory, Italy books its place in the Longines EEF Series South-Central Semi-Final. Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye and Ukraine also advance to the next stage.

For Greece, however, it was a disappointing afternoon. Competing in front of their home crowd, the hosts could do no better than eighth place.

On Sunday, Thessaloniki had an Italian accent. And after Deauville, Italy seems to have found the recipe for a perfect spring.

Find the full results of the Thessaloniki EEF Nations Cup here

(Photos © EEF Series)