Team Italy Ready to Take the Field at the Arena Polo World Championship: Interview with Giordano Magini

In the United States, the Virginia Polo Center is hosting the second edition of the Arena Polo World Championship, featuring six nations: France, Argentina, Pakistan, the United States, Guatemala, and Italy. Representing the tricolor flag is the Italian team composed of captain Stefano Giansanti, Mariano Regal, and Giordano Magini.

In an interview, Giordano Magini shared his expectations and behind-the-scenes insights about this major competition.

“It’s definitely one of the most important events of the year,” Giordano begins. “Being a World Championship, the goal is always to bring a trophy home.”

The Italian team arrived in the United States with great enthusiasm:

“We landed on Friday, and on Saturday we had the day to test the horses we’ll be using in the first match. We received a fantastic welcome: the facilities are magnificent, the organization is flawless, and the teams are very strong. Everything has exceeded expectations.”

The Importance of Horse Selection

In polo, horse management is a crucial factor.

“Each player must have at least four horses, because the match is played over four chukkers,” Magini explains. “The American federation provided 90 horses to be shared among the six teams, so 15 per team. We tested them, and they’re of very good quality.”

The horses are divided into three categories:

“Each team has horses in categories A, B, and C. Ideally, each of the three players should have two A horses, two B horses, and one C horse. That way, we can all perform at our best. I chose the ones I felt were the best fit for me, and I hope they’ll work well.”

Impressive Facilities and Flawless Organization

Giordano Magini doesn’t hide his admiration for the American organization:

“As always, America never disappoints. The hotels are extremely comfortable, and the Virginia Polo Center is truly incredible. The arena is magnificent, surrounded by excellent infrastructure and a highly skilled staff. Everything is organized to run perfectly.”

Opening Match Against Guatemala and the Teams to Watch

Italy’s debut match is set against Guatemala, a team coming off a loss to the United States.

“The U.S. is currently the strongest team on the field,” says Giordano.

“Arena polo is a sport that’s widely practiced here, so they know certain details that those who don’t play often might not. All the teams are very strong, but we’ll do our best.”

Team Italy

The Italian team competing in Virginia consists of three starting players and two reserves.

“It’s me, Stefano Giansanti – our captain and president of Roma Polo Club – and Mariano Regal. Stefano also competed at the 2025 European Championship in Poland, while Mariano played alongside him in the same competition. I enter with a four-goal handicap, Stefano with two, and Mariano with five.”

Completing the lineup are brothers Alejandro and Federico Pujana:

“They’re Americans with Italian passports. They’re very strong, play here often, and have more experience than we do.”

Behind the Scenes with Giordano Magini

Giordano Magini’s connection to polo has family roots:

“My father has always been passionate about horses and played polo. I grew up riding, and that’s how my career started. My first World Championship was in 2022, also here in the United States. I also competed at the 2023 European Championship in Düsseldorf with Stefano Giansanti. I couldn’t participate this year due to a handicap issue, but now we’re here playing the World Championship.”

His season is split between Germany and France, where he has been playing regularly for four years, although he admits there is still significant room for growth in Italy.

Arena Polo: An Evolution to Bring the Sport Closer to the Public

Polo has ancient origins, but Arena Polo represents a strategic evolution to broaden its appeal.

“Arena Polo, played three against three on a smaller field, is much more accessible to the public. Traditional polo is 4 vs 4 on very large fields, so it’s more demanding. The arena format allows more people to get involved and try it. We’re working on promoting it in Italy and will continue to do so.”

In the United States, this variant is already well established:

“Many young players focus exclusively on Arena Polo, and there are even university tournaments. This shows just how much potential it has to grow the sport.”

Why Choose Polo?

When asked what makes this sport so special, Magini responds enthusiastically:

“Many think polo is an elitist sport – and in part, it is – but it’s wonderful because it’s like playing soccer on horseback. The adrenaline is incredible. It’s a risky, high-energy sport that has everything: teamwork, coordination, athletic preparation, and the bond with the horse. It’s a complete sport.”

And he adds:

“When you compete in a World or European Championship and represent your country, everything feels different. My advice to young people – and to myself as well – is to give it a try: it’s pure adrenaline and so much fun.”

Short- and Long-Term Goals

There’s no shortage of future commitments.

“In the short term, we’re focused on the World Championship, then we’ll return to Rome to finish the season. This winter there will be winter polo matches, and then I’ll head back to Germany.”

Looking further ahead, Giordano has a clear plan:

“In 2026, I’ll continue as always between Italy, Germany, and France.”

The Arena Polo World Championship heats up today with Team Italy’s first match kicking off at 3:30 p.m. local time. As Giordano Magini shares, the team is approaching this experience with determination and focus.

The match against Guatemala marks the first step in what promises to be an intense and competitive journey, with the goal of competing at the highest level and achieving major results.

HSJ x FISE

By A. Ceserani

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