The Secret Behind Italy’s Winning Formula: Teamwork, Preparation, and Youth Development

Report: Emily Bevan

Italy has been the dominant force in the Longines EEF Series since it began in 2021, winning three of the past four editions of the competition, but what makes them so successful?
 
“Italy’s success in the Longines EEF Series hasn’t come by chance. It’s a result of consistent observation, careful planning and the experience gained through riding in the competition,” said Mario Verheyden who took over the role as chef d’equipe for the Longines EEF Series Italian team this year and is also a selector for the Italian under 25 team.
 
“Our success is a result of teamwork and shared communication. I work closely with Marco Porro [coach and selector of the Italian national showjumping team and former chef d’equipe] and we are constantly supported by the President of the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation, Marco Di Paola, and the Federation’s sport director, Francesco Girardi. We always speak to each other about everything, and we are a very good team.”
 
A strong support team has been evident in Italy’s make-up since they claimed their first Longines EEF Series title in Warsaw in 2021. The quartet defeated Czech Republic in a jump-off in the first ever final.

Piergiorgio Bucci, who has been a member of each of Italy’s victorious teams, was chosen by chef d’equipe Marco Porro to contest the jump-off. He produced a quick clear round with Cochello to hand the Italians their first title after the Czech’s nominated rider, Vladimir Tretera and Gangster v/h Noddevelt, rolled a pole.
 
“I believe that this Series is an excellent initiative, an opportunity to gain experience, growth and validation for horse and rider combinations preparing to jump at top levels. Creating the foundations for tomorrow’s top riders will be our federation’s goal,” said Marco at the time.
 
Four years on, Marco still believes in giving the next generation of riders and horses the chance to shine by being part of Italy’s Longines EEF Series team. In fact, he credits the mix of youth and experience in the teams that Italy fields as one of the keys to its success.
 
“In my opinion, the Longines EEF Series is a highly interesting circuit. I strongly believe in the EEF project because it allows competitions to take place on high-quality arenas while also providing the opportunity to include under 25 riders in the team, allowing them to interact directly with more experienced colleagues,” explained Marco.
 
“For the younger riders, it is an invaluable opportunity for growth and comparison at a solid level, while the more experienced athletes can present promising eight or nine-year-old horses and begin their international careers.
 
“That has been our real 'secret': a balanced team made up of competitive young talents and experienced riders with high-quality, albeit still young horses.”

Italian rider Bruno Chimirri credits his nation’s strong team spirit for their success. “In Italy, in recent years, top level show jumping has been growing thanks to many synergies, among which a very strong team spirit stands out,” said Bruno.

“We receive team selections in good time which allows us to plan these events in the best possible way, but I believe this is something common to many teams. I think that for every nation, winning is important to create a positive spirit and to motivate the entire movement."

In 2022, Italy won the competition outright after they were the only nation to finish the two rounds on a score of four. Leading the Italian charge were Lorenzo De Luca and Scuderia 1918 Highlight W - the then 10-year-old gelding was making his Nations Cup debut. The pair was one of only four combinations to record a double clear.

It was a double clear that helped the Italians to victory in 2024. Alberto Zorzi and Cortez van’t Klein Asdonk Z produced the only fault free performance of the class to aid Italy to a jump-off against Ireland.
 
Piergiorgio Bucci and Hantano were the selected combination for the jump-off and duly produced a speedy and confident clear to pip Seamus Hughes Kennedy on ESI Rocky and secure a hattrick of victories for the Italians.
 
“What truly makes the difference is our ability to approach every stage with the same focus and determination. That mindset combined with strong teamwork and constant support from the Federation allows us to face each challenge with the right balance of composure and confidence,” explained Mario.
 
Preparation, it seems, is key for the Italians. They leave no stone unturned as they get ready for each leg of the competition.
 
“We prepare every rider, every combination and every team. When approaching a competition, we always begin by talking to riders, building trust and creating a strong team environment. Every step is important and every leg of the Series is important to us,” said Mario.
 
“We prepare technically in great detail and the well-being of horse and rider is always our top priority.”

It is no surprise that Italy have qualified for the final again this year. They trounced the opposition in the south qualifier in Thessaloniki, finishing on a score of five, 23 penalties ahead of their nearest rivals, Greece. They also won their semi-final in Budapest after they amassed just four penalties to finish four penalties ahead of Germany.
 
They have won multiple legs of the series this year and who would bet against them to triumph at the final in Avenches in September?
 
“Italy has always participated in this circuit with great enthusiasm, and we have already won it three times in Warsaw. Now we approach the final round, we are aiming to build on the good work we’ve done so far,” said Marco.
 
With success inevitably comes pressure but it seems as though the Italians are not fazed by the high expectations that are placed upon them.
 
“There is great pressure to do well as we’ve won it three times. It will be the first time I’m chef d’equipe at the final so I feel pressure but it’s positive pressure, it’s not negative,” concluded Mario.
 
“We’ve prepared well for every detail of every leg and have done well so far this year. I hope we will be successful in Avenches too but it is very difficult to win four times so let’s see what happens. It would be very nice if we can win again.”

Where to Watch and Follow
Full results from the regional qualifiers and semi-finals of the Longines EEF Series 2025 season can be viewed here.

For the latest updates, team announcements, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the 2025 Longines EEF Series, follow the Longines EEF Series website and the European Equestrian Federation. Join the conversation on the Longines EEF Series social media on Instagram and Facebook.

For further information on the series final check out the official website of the Longines EEF Series Final Avenches 2025 and follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Download the Longines EEF Series press kit here

Watch the all the live action on ClipMyHorse.TV, the official livestream partner of the Longines EEF Series.