The Azzurri missed the World Cup, so they won the Cup… in Polo

Italy still will not be seeing the pitches of the football World Cup. Never mind. In Chantilly, the Azzurri found another field on which to make their flag fly. By overturning two-time defending champions France-Occitanie at the end of a final as tense as it was elegant, the transalpine squad claimed the fourth edition of the Polo Nations Cup BARNES. A victory built on ten years of patience, a well-oiled collective… and probably a few glasses of Fernet to end the evening.

The Italians had a date with history

Some trophies take their time choosing an owner.

Beaten in the final two years ago. Knocked out in the semi-finals last year. This time, Italy had no intention of leaving with regrets packed in the boot. Against an Occitanie side that had won the last two titles and knows all about major appointments, Riccardo Paganelli’s men finally cleared the final step.

As in their semi-final against PACA, the Italians burst out of the stalls at full gallop. A three-goal lead straight away, constant pressure, a vertical game that looked capable of folding the match before the first change of horses.

Except that opposite them, Occitanie knew the tune.

Gradually, Isabelle Larenaudie’s players tightened the lines, found their rhythm again and even took the lead at the end of the third chukker. The final had just changed face.

The Italian collective takes back control

That is when Italy became… Italy again.

Fewer solo charges, more ball movement, a rediscovered defence and, above all, the passing game that makes all the difference at this level.

« We found our defensive organisation again and started moving the ball better. ”, explained Tomas Delfino, named professional MVP of the match.

Same analysis from Riccardo Paganelli, crowned amateur MVP.

For the Italian captain, it all ultimately comes down to one simple idea: playing together.

When Delfino, Bautista and Jeronimo began multiplying the combinations again rather than carrying the ball individually, Occitanie gradually lost control. The final chukkers definitively swung the transalpine way.

First title. Finally.

A victory ten years in the making

This success goes far beyond the simple result of the day.

« This victory rewards ten years of work. ” breathed a particularly emotional Riccardo Paganelli after the prize-giving ceremony.

For nearly a decade, this group has been moving forward together, tournament after tournament, season after season. The day’s opponents are not only rivals, but also fellow travellers.

“We know them very well. They always find a way to be in the final,” said the Italian captain.

The same respect came from Tomas Delfino, who perfectly summed up the atmosphere of this final: a fierce battle… between friends.

Heading to Tuscany… not the Open de France

The Italian adventure will now change scenery.

Riccardo Paganelli is preparing to open his own polo club in Tuscany, a project that will occupy his entire team over the coming months. The direct consequence: the new champions will not defend their chances at the Open de France BARNES in September.

“We have a lot of work to do on our fields… but maybe next year,” he said with a smile.

In the meantime, the celebrations were already planned.

“Now? It is time to celebrate… with Fernet!” declared Tomas Delfino, faithful to Italian tradition.

When football closes the door on you, polo can sometimes open the finest windows.

Chantilly turns a page… before September’s big chapter

This fourth Polo Nations Cup BARNES brings the Polo Club de Chantilly’s spring trilogy to a close, but certainly not the season.

The French Women’s Championships immediately take over before a busy month of July competitions.

Then September will arrive with its monument: the Open de France BARNES, the high point of European polo, where sixteen teams and several of Palermo’s biggest stars will turn Chantilly into the world capital of the sport of kings.

This time, without the new Italian sovereigns.