Italy miss out on chance to lift FEI Nations Cup

The first stage of the FEI Nations Cup final for show-jumping came to a close in Barcelona yesterday and there was not good Equestrian World for the Azzurri.
13 penalties and a 10th place finish means that Team Italy have not gone through to the final and will instead have to settle for a place in the Challenge Cup.
Led by Roberto Arioldi, the Azzurri missed out on the final stage which will decide which nation lifts the prestigious FEI Nations Cup trophy.
The Azzurri will be out to bounce back however and end the competition on a high with a strong performance in the Challenge Cup.
Italy are in action in the Catalan city with the following riders: Juan Carlos Garcia with Gitano v.Berkenbroeck, Alberto Zorzi with Ego van Orti, Emilio Bicocchi with Sassicaia Ares and Bruno Chimirri with Tower Mouche.
The team guided by Arioldi made life hard for themselves after a tricky start with Garcia accumulating 24 penalties.
Zorzi and Bicocchi hit back and reignited hopes for Italy but Bruno Chimirri was unable to turn the tide and his 13 penalties made it a complicated day for Italy.
The following nations will join Italy in the consolation final: Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Brazil, UAE and Spain.
Canada, France, Holland, USA, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Sweden on the other hand have booked their place in the final for the FEI Nations Cup trophy.
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(IN THE PHOTO: CAN-Yann Candele rides Theodore Manciais during the Longines FEI Nations Cup Jumping™ Final – First Qualifier. 2017 ESP-Longines FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final – CSIO Barcelona. Photo:FEI/ Libby Law Photography)