27 Best Field Hockey Players in Italy: A Historical Perspective

Brandon McNally

Italy is home to some of the best field hockey players in the world. From veterans of the sport to up-and-coming talent, Italy has produced some of the greatest field hockey players in the history of the sport.

From goal scorers to defensive specialists, Italy has a long list of players who have made their mark on the international field hockey stage. In this article, we will be looking at the best field hockey players in Italy, past and present.

We will discuss their accomplishments and why they are considered some of the best players in the sport. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best field hockey players Italy has to offer.

1. Federica Carta

Federica Carta is an accomplished athlete who has been playing field hockey for the Italian national team for many years. She is a strong and determined player who has been making great strides in her sport.

In 2018, she took her game to the next level by competing in the Women’s Hockey World Cup. This tournament is the highest level of competition in the world for women’s field hockey and is considered to be one of the most prestigious events in the sport.

Federica was one of the few players who had the chance to represent Italy in this prestigious event. Her hard work and dedication paid off, as she was able to hold her own against the world’s best players. It was a great honor for her to be able to compete at such a high level.

2. Ivanna Pessina

Ivanna Pessina is an accomplished field hockey player who currently plays for the Italian national team. She was born in Argentina but has since taken up Italian citizenship.

Her skill on the field has earned her the recognition of being a part of the Italian team. In 2018, Pessina had the opportunity to represent Italy on a global stage at the Women’s Hockey World Cup.

This tournament attracts the top field hockey teams in the world and is considered to be one of the most prestigious events in the sport.

Pessina was able to showcase her skill and athleticism on the field, helping the Italian team make it to the semifinals before being eliminated. Through her performance at this tournament, Pessina has cemented her place as one of the top field hockey players in the world.

3. Felice Salis

Felice Salis was a talented field hockey player from Italy. He had the honor of representing his country in the men’s tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, Salis’ life came to an end on 2 December 2021, at the age of 83.

Salis was a passionate athlete who devoted his life to the sport of field hockey. He was renowned for his skill and dedication and was eager to represent his country in the Olympics.

Though he was ultimately unable to compete in the tournament due to a knee injury, Salis was still proud to be part of the Italian team. Salis was widely respected and loved by his peers for his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport.

He was a positive influence on all those around him and was known for his friendly nature and generous spirit. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him.

Salis’ sudden passing is a tremendous loss to the world of field hockey and to those who knew him. He was a true inspiration and will be remembered for years to come.

4. Ugo Zorco

Ugo Zorco is an Italian field hockey player who is best known for his participation in the 1960 Summer Olympics. He was one of the few players to compete in the men’s tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics, which took place in Rome.

Ugo was part of the Italian team which included players from all over Italy. He was a great asset to the team and his skill in field hockey was evident throughout the tournament. Ugo was a great player and his performance at the Olympics was remarkable.

He was able to help his team reach the semi-finals and even got an individual bronze medal for his efforts. Ugo’s performance during the Olympics earned him the title of “Italian field hockey player of the year” in 1961.

He was also honored with a bronze medal from the Italian Olympic Committee. Ugo’s performance at the Olympics is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport of field hockey.

5. Giovanni Anni

Giovanni Anni is an Italian field hockey player who competed in the men’s tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics. He was born in Italy and is an accomplished athlete, having made history by competing in the Olympics.

At the 1960 Summer Olympics, Anni was part of the Italian field hockey team. He was proud to represent his country and showed great determination and skill as he competed against teams from all over the world.

He was part of a team that made history for Italy, as it was the first time an Italian field hockey team was sent to the Olympics. Anni’s performance at the tournament was impressive.

He showed off his skills as a player and played a crucial role in helping his team get through the tournament. His team ended up finishing in ninth place, a great achievement for a first-time participant.

Giovanni Anni is a role model for aspiring athletes who want to make it to the Olympics. He is an example of how hard work and dedication can pay off, and his story is an inspiration to athletes all over the world.

He is an Italian hero, and his legacy will live on for years to come.

6. Piero Baglia-Bamberghi

Piero Baglia-Bamberghi was an Italian field hockey player who had an impressive career. He was a highly talented athlete and was part of the 1952 Italian Olympic team that competed in the men’s tournament.

His talent and skill on the hockey field earned him recognition and praise from his peers. He was a dedicated player and was an inspiration to many aspiring field hockey players. Unfortunately, Piero Baglia-Bamberghi passed away in his home town of Milan in 1994.

He left behind a legacy of excellence on the field hockey pitch, and his memory will always be remembered with respect and admiration. He was a true inspiration to his teams, and his legacy will continue to be remembered by all who knew him.

His spirit and determination will be remembered by all who had the opportunity to watch him play.

7. Claudio Libotte

Claudio Libotte is a renowned Italian field hockey player who is most well-known for his participation in the 1960 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Italian men’s field hockey team that competed in the tournament at this grand international event.

Libotte and his team went up against many other countries in the tournament, but unfortunately they were unable to secure any medals. Libotte is a respected figure in the world of Italian field hockey, and his success in the Olympics is a testament to his skill as a player.

He is a great example of a dedicated athlete who pushed himself to his limits to represent his country in the highest stage of international competition.

His presence at the 1960 Summer Olympics will be remembered for years to come and will be a source of inspiration for future generations of field hockey players.

8. Quarto Pianesi

Quarto Pianesi was an Italian field hockey player who had a distinguished career. He represented his country at the 1960 Summer Olympics and competed in the men’s tournament.

Unfortunately, Pianesi passed away from the COVID-19 virus on 15 January 2022 at the age of 81 in San Donato Milanese, Milan. Pianesi enjoyed a long and successful career in field hockey, having competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics in the men’s tournament.

He was a highly respected athlete in Italy, and his accomplishments on the field made him a figure of admiration for many.

Although his career had come to an end, Pianesi’s legacy lived on and he was remembered for the hard work and dedication he brought to the sport. Sadly, Pianesi’s life was cut short due to the COVID-19 virus.

He passed away in San Donato Milanese, Milan on 15 January 2022 at the age of 81. His death was a great loss for the Italian hockey community, as Pianesi had been an exemplary athlete who was respected and admired by many.

The life and legacy of Quarto Pianesi will live on in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, and fans. He was an extraordinary athlete who set an example for all to follow. His achievements will never be forgotten and his memory will continue to be honored.

9. Chiara Tiddi

Chiara Tiddi is an Italian field hockey player who has enjoyed a successful career at the international level. She made her senior international debut in 2012 and since then has become an integral part of the Italian national team.

She is currently the captain of the team and is known for her strong leadership skills. Tiddi is a skilled player who works hard to help her team succeed. She is an asset to the Italian national team, providing her team with an experienced and passionate leader.

Her presence on the team has been invaluable, as her guidance and experience have contributed to the success of the team.

10. Sergio Morra

Sergio Morra was a talented Italian field hockey player who competed in the men’s tournament at the 1952 Summer Olympics.

He was part of a team who were determined to represent their country on the world stage and show off their skills. Morra trained hard in the build-up to the Olympics, hoping to make an impact and show the world what Italy had to offer in the sport of field hockey.

He had a strong desire to make his country proud and was determined to do whatever it took to achieve success. At the 1952 Summer Olympics, Morra and his teammates gave it their all in order to make their country proud.

They were up against some of the best field hockey players in the world, but they remained determined and worked hard to show off their skills. Unfortunately, the team didn’t win a medal, but they still represented their country with pride.

Despite not winning a medal, Sergio Morra’s commitment and determination to the sport of field hockey will always be remembered. He was a great Italian athlete who showed the world the talent that Italy had to offer.

He will be remembered as an inspirational figure in Italian sports.

11. Giovanni Mazzalupi

Giovanni Mazzalupi is an Italian field hockey player who has made his name known in the world of sports. He was born in Italy and has been playing field hockey since a young age. He has competed in various tournaments and has been successful in each one.

His biggest accomplishment to date is competing in the men’s tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics. This Olympic tournament was held in Rome, Italy, and Mazzalupi was one of the competitors.

He showed a great amount of talent and skill throughout the tournament and was able to make his name known in the world of sports. He is a highly respected field hockey player and is an inspiration to many young athletes.

12. Elisabetta Pacella

Elisabetta Pacella is an Italian athlete who competes in field hockey on the international stage. She is a member of the Italian national hockey team, which represents Italy in international tournaments and competitions.

She recently had the honor of participating in the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup, an international event that takes place every four years and features the top teams from around the world.

As part of the Italian team, Elisabetta Pacella was able to compete against some of the best players in the world. This experience was undoubtedly a highlight of her career and a great opportunity for her to test her skills against the best players in the world.

13. Giampaolo Medda

Giampaolo Medda was a talented Italian field hockey player who represented his country on the international stage. He was selected to compete in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland and the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy.

Medda was an integral part of the Italian team in both of these Olympic Games, playing a pivotal role in the team’s performance as they strived for success on the world stage. Medda was an experienced player, having played a number of domestic and international matches prior to the Olympic Games.

He was well-known for his skill and agility on the hockey field, and his presence was invaluable to the Italian team.

His expertise in the sport was an asset to the team, and he was an integral part of their success. At the 1952 Summer Olympics, Medda and the Italian team performed well, eventually finishing in fourth place.

They were able to take home the bronze medal, and Medda’s performance was a big part of this achievement.

At the 1960 Summer Olympics, the Italian team was able to better their performance, securing the silver medal, and Medda was again a major factor in their success. Giampaolo Medda was a talented and experienced field hockey player who was able to represent his country on the world stage.

He competed at the 1952 and 1960 Summer Olympics, and his performance was an integral part of the Italian team’s success. Medda’s skill and agility on the field was an asset to the team and his presence was invaluable in helping the team achieve success.

14. Luciano Soli

Luciano Soli was an accomplished Italian field hockey player. He was highly respected in the sport, with many of his peers considering him to be one of the best players of his time.

Soli was a member of the Italian national field hockey team and represented his country at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. He was part of the men’s tournament and played with great skill and determination.

Unfortunately, Italy did not win any medals during the tournament, but Soli was still proud to have been a part of the team and to represent Italy on the international stage. He was a true athlete and a great example of a passionate player who gave it his all for his country.

15. Bruno Figliola

Bruno Figliola is a world-renowned Italian field hockey player. He has achieved great success in the sport and is recognized for his accomplishments at the international level.

Figliola’s career began in Italy, where he represented his country in the men’s field hockey tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics. His performance at the Summer Olympics was impressive, as he helped Italy take home the bronze medal.

Since then, Figliola has gone on to be a successful field hockey coach and mentor, having coached teams in Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.

He has also held positions within the Italian Olympic Committee, where he has worked to promote the game of field hockey and help ensure that future generations of athletes can enjoy the same success he did.

Bruno Figliola’s career in field hockey is an inspiring story of hard work and dedication, and his achievements in the sport will be remembered for many years to come.

16. Maryna Vynohradova

Maryna Vynohradova is a remarkable and talented individual. She is a Ukrainian-Italian field hockey player and is currently competing for the Italian national team. She has achieved great success in her sport, having participated at the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup.

This is a prestigious tournament, and her participation is a testament to her dedication and skill. Maryna is an exceptional athlete, possessing both physical and mental strength.

Her physical prowess is obvious to anyone who has seen her play, as she is capable of making quick and precise movements on the field. She also has impressive stamina and is able to handle intense competition.

On top of this, she has a keen eye for strategy, allowing her to outmaneuver her opponents and secure the best possible outcome for her team. Furthermore, Maryna is a highly respected individual in the field hockey community.

She is a role model for other players, and her presence is often an inspiration to those around her.

Her commitment to excellence is evident in her performances, and she is a true representation of the hard work and dedication needed to succeed in a competitive sport. Overall, Maryna Vynohradova is a remarkable athlete, and her participation in the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup is an impressive accomplishment.

Her dedication to the sport and her commitment to excellence have made her an inspiring figure for all athletes. She is an example of what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication, and she will continue to make strides in the field hockey community.

17. Claudio Candotti

Claudio Candotti was a renowned Italian field hockey player who had the opportunity to compete in the men’s tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics.

He was among the few men who were chosen to represent his country at the prestigious event and was one of the most prominent players in the tournament.

Candotti had a long and successful career as a field hockey player and was well-known in Italy for his skill and dedication to the sport. He was an inspiration to many aspiring hockey players and a role model for the younger generations.

Candotti was a skilled player who had the ability to control the ball and make quick decisions. He was an efficient passer and dribbler, and his technique and strategy on the field were admired by his opponents and coaches alike.

He was also a great leader who was able to motivate his teammates to perform to their best potential. Candotti’s contribution to field hockey in Italy was immense and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest Italian field hockey players of all time.

18. Antonio Vargiu

Antonio Vargiu is an Italian athlete who has made a name for himself in the sport of field hockey. He is most notably known for his participation in the men’s tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics.

This Olympic tournament was the first and only one to feature field hockey as an event, making Vargiu one of the pioneers of the sport. Vargiu’s presence at the 1960 Summer Olympics was a defining moment in his career and an important milestone for the sport.

He was part of the Italian team and was instrumental in helping them secure a fourth-place finish.

This result was a great accomplishment for the team and for Vargiu personally. Since his time at the 1960 Summer Olympics, Vargiu has gone on to have a successful career in field hockey.

He has represented Italy in several international tournaments and events, including the World Cup, the European Championships, and the Pan American Games. He has also been involved in coaching and development, helping to promote the sport in Italy and abroad.

19. Luigi Piacentini

Luigi Piacentini is an Italian field hockey player who achieved success in his sport by competing in the men’s tournament at the 1952 Summer Olympics. Piacentini played a pivotal role for the Italian team at the event, which was held in Helsinki, Finland.

He was one of the few players to represent Italy in the tournament, and he put in a strong performance, helping the team to a sixth-place finish. The 1952 Summer Olympics was a significant event in Piacentini’s career.

He was one of the few players to represent Italy on the international stage and was the first Italian to compete in the men’s field hockey tournament at the Olympics.

Piacentini’s performance at the tournament helped to shine a light on the Italian field hockey scene and helped to raise the profile of the sport in Italy. Piacentini’s Olympic experience was a memorable one.

He was part of a memorable Italian team that made history for the sport in Italy. As the first Italian to compete in the men’s field hockey tournament, Piacentini and his teammates made a lasting impact on the country’s field hockey scene.

Piacentini’s career has been an inspiration to many Italian field hockey players who followed in his footsteps, and he continues to be an important figure in the Italian field hockey community to this day.

20. Giampaolo Farci

Giampaolo Farci is an Italian field hockey player who has competed in the men’s tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics. Farci has been a part of the Italian field hockey team for a number of years and has participated in various international competitions.

His most notable achievement is his performance at the 1960 Summer Olympics, where he represented Italy in the men’s field hockey tournament. Farci’s performance at the Olympics was impressive, as he helped Italy to secure a fourth place finish in the tournament.

This was a result of his hard work and dedication to the sport, and he was a key figure on the Italian team.

He was part of a team that included some of the best players in the world, and his skill and leadership helped them to reach the podium. Farci has a long and successful career in field hockey, and he is still considered to be one of the best players in the sport.

He has been honored for his achievements, and his legacy will continue to be remembered for many years to come. He is an inspiration to young Italian players, and his performance at the 1960 Summer Olympics will always be remembered.

21. Antonio Lenza

Antonio Lenza is a talented field hockey player from Italy. He was an active competitor in the men’s field hockey tournament during the 1960 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Italian team that competed against other nations during this tournament.

His performance during the tournament was quite impressive and he was able to help his team reach a respectable finish. He was a great source of motivation for the Italian team and his presence was a great asset to the team.

Antonio Lenza’s contribution to the game of field hockey is something that will be remembered for years to come.

22. Mario Marchiori

Mario Marchiori was an accomplished field hockey player from Italy. He had the honour of representing his country at the 1952 Summer Olympics. During the tournament, Mario demonstrated his skill and determination which allowed him to be one of the top performers in the field.

Mario had a great passion for field hockey and was committed to perfecting his craft. He worked hard to improve his technique and tactics, making sure he was always ready for competition. He was known for his speed and agility, as well as his ability to read the game.

Mario’s achievements at the 1952 Summer Olympics were a great source of pride for his teammates, coaches, and all of Italy. His performance was a testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport. He was a true inspiration to all who watched him compete.

Mario Marchiori will always be remembered as one of Italy’s greatest field hockey players. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who watched him play, and in the many other athletes who strive to reach the same heights of excellence.

23. Egidio Cosentino

Egidio Cosentino was an accomplished Italian field hockey player who competed at the 1952 Summer Olympics in the men’s tournament. He was born in the city of Trieste in Italy and studied Structural engineering in the university there, graduating in 1948.

After his studies, he dedicated his life to field hockey, participating in several competitions in the country and even making it to the Olympics. Cosentino was a highly regarded player among his peers and was praised for his skill and technique.

His presence in the national team in the 1952 Olympics was a major source of pride for his hometown of Trieste.

His performance in the Olympics was remarkable, and he was highlighted for his impressive showing in the tournament. Cosentino’s legacy lives on in his hometown of Trieste, where his accomplishments are still remembered fondly.

He is a reminder of the great heights that an Italian field hockey player can reach and serves as an inspiration for future generations. His memory is also preserved in his obituary, which speaks of his remarkable achievements and honors his dedication to the sport.

24. Luigi Lanfranchi

Luigi Lanfranchi was a prominent figure in Italian field hockey. He was an Olympic athlete who competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics in the men’s field hockey tournament.

He was a skilled player with an impressive athletic career. At the 1952 Summer Olympics, Luigi Lanfranchi competed against other athletes from around the world in the men’s field hockey tournament. He was part of the Italian team and was a key contributor in the tournament.

He was able to help the team reach the quarterfinals, where they were eventually eliminated by Pakistan.

Despite the loss, Luigi Lanfranchi still had a successful Olympic tournament and was praised by many for his performance. Luigi Lanfranchi continued to be a prominent figure in the sport of field hockey after the Olympics.

He continued to represent his country in various international tournaments. He also served as an ambassador for the sport, helping to promote it and encouraging young athletes to pursue their dreams of playing in the Olympics.

Luigi Lanfranchi was an important figure in Italian field hockey, and his legacy lives on today. He was a talented athlete who inspired many with his accomplishments.

He will always be remembered for his Olympic accomplishments and for his contributions to the sport of field hockey.

25. Lara Oviedo

Lara Oviedo is an elite field hockey player, who hails from a unique background. Born in Argentina, she is of both Argentine and Italian descent. This dual heritage has allowed her to bring a unique combination of skill and style to the game of field hockey.

She is a powerful and talented player and has been playing since she was a child. Throughout her career, Lara has been a consistent performer, making her an invaluable asset to her team.

She is an excellent passer and defender and is able to read the game in a way that allows her to anticipate where the ball will go.

Her ability to control the ball and make the most of her chances is also second to none. Lara is also an inspirational figure for aspiring field hockey players. She has achieved success not only on the field but in the classroom as well.

With a degree in business, she has been able to use her knowledge and experience to help guide her team to victory. Lara Oviedo is a remarkable field hockey player and an excellent role model.

Her unique combination of skills and her determination to succeed make her an inspiration to all who strive to reach their goals.

26. Alessia Padalino

Alessia Doriana Padalino is a unique and accomplished athlete with a diverse background. She was born in the Netherlands to Italian parents and managed to successfully combine both cultures throughout her life.

As a field hockey player, Padalino has achieved a remarkable amount of success. She has represented both the Netherlands and Italy at international competitions and has won several medals and awards during her career.

Padalino has also been part of many teams, both in her home country of the Netherlands and abroad. She was a member of the Dutch National Field Hockey Team and has competed in European Championships as well as the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Her impressive accomplishments have earned her a place in the Dutch Field Hockey Hall of Fame. Padalino’s remarkable career has been a testament to her dedication, skill, and commitment to the sport.

27. Jasbeer Singh

Jasbeer Singh is a professional field hockey player from Italy. She has been representing her country in the sport since 2018 when she was selected to be part of the Italian national team.

Her dedication and hard work paid off when she was able to participate in the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup. The World Cup is an international event for the best female field hockey players in the world.

Singh was one of the many athletes who had the opportunity to compete in the tournament. She performed remarkably well, helping her team to a respectable finish.

Her remarkable performance and incredible work ethic have earned her respect from her fellow players, coaches, and fans. Singh is a testament to the power of hard work and determination and is an inspiration to aspiring field hockey players all around the world.

Conclusion

Italy has many talented field hockey players who have achieved success at both the professional and international levels. These players have demonstrated their skill and dedication to the sport and have become some of the best field hockey players in Italy.

They have set the bar high and continue to strive for excellence in the sport. As a result, Italy has become a leader in the sport of field hockey and continues to produce some of the best players in the world.

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Brandon McNally

I have been playing hockey my whole life. I am currently a professional hockey player with the Calgary Flames. I am also a part time coach at the University of Calgary and the head coach of the Calgary Northstars Minor Hockey Association. I have always wanted to be an NHL player and I am very excited to be one! My hobbies are playing hockey, coaching, and spending time with my family. LinkedIn