Dorothea Wierer is the figurehead of the Italian biathlon team. © ANSA / MARTIN DIVISEK

The new squad is in place: This is Italy's biathlon team

The Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) traditionally takes longer than other nations to announce the new squad. Now things are starting step by step – with the new biathlon team.

15 May 2023

From: dl

“Never change a winning team” is a well-known phrase in sports. Accordingly, after a truly dream season, most things remain the same for the biathletes. As a reminder: Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi took second and third place respectively in the overall World Cup last winter. Expectations were also exceeded at the World Championships in Oberhof with four medals and the sensational gold in the women's relay. In addition, the young Tommaso Giacomel has developed into a reliable top ten athlete among the men.

That's why the Italian winter sports association has stuck with biathlon sports director Klaus Höllrigl. The Vinschger has last year after the departure of icon Andreas Zingerle a new coaching team installed – with Alexander Inderst at the helm. The Ridnaun native was confirmed as head coach. He is supported by Jonne Kähkönen, Mirco Romanin, Fabio Cianciana and Andrea Zattoni. Kähkönen is particularly valued in the scene. The Finn is said to have, among other things, freed Vittozzi from the crisis at the shooting range.

The women's relay team won gold at the World Championships in Oberhof in February. © APA/afp / CHRISTOF STACHE

Last year, Wierer and Lukas Hofer formed the Azzurri's elite team. This year, Vittozzi and Giacomel are taking Hofer's place, who was basically just injured last year. The Montaler is making a new attempt in the so-called “Milano Cortina 2026” team. This team includes a total of 18 athletes. In addition to Hofer, there are five other South Tyroleans: Patrick Braunhofer, David Zingerle, Hannah Auchentaller, Rebecca Passler and Linda Zingerle. They all make up Italy's expanded World Cup squad for the 2023/24 season.

The past winter was a successful one, especially for Auchentaller and Passler. Both have established themselves in the World Cup, with Auchentaller also winning relay gold in Oberhof. Her Antholz colleague Linda Zingerle had to struggle with an injury for a long time and will also make a new attempt. From a South Tyrolean perspective, we can look forward to the new biathlon season again. Also because Wierer has decided to continue her successful career.

Italy's expanded 2023/24 World Cup squad:

Elite team:
Dorothea Wierer (Niederrasen)
Lisa Vittozzi
Tommaso Giacomel

Team “Milano Cortina 2026”:
Hannah Auchtentaller (Antholz)
Michela Carrara
Samuela Comola
Rebecca Passler (Antholz)
Sara Scattolo
Beatrice Trabucchi
Martina Trabucchi
Linda Zingerle (Antholz)
Didier Bionaz
Patrick Braunhofer (Ridnaun)
Daniele Cappellari
Cedric Christille
Daniele Fauner
Lukas Hofer (Montal)
Iacopo Leonesio
Michele Molinari
Elijah Zeni
David Zingerle (Antholz)