“I’m very excited about this role, because I want to give the Federation and the Italian teams everything I’ve learned and achieved in recent years. One of my first priorities as Team Selector will be to get in touch with the athletes so that I can build a direct and consistent relationship with all of them. This will help us grow the group and create more opportunities for our national team.”

He then outlined his goals:


“The main objective is to secure Olympic qualification for the team, with the first opportunity coming at the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, Germany. I’ll be working to strengthen the entire group, keeping our top riders united, as they have already proven themselves at the highest level, while also helping others progress so we can rely on a wider squad for the 2027 European Championships.”

The President of the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation, Marco Di Paola, also commented on the appointment:
“I’m convinced we could not have made a better choice. It’s important to continue the positive work done under Marco Porro, and Stefano is a serious professional who has shown strong organisational and managerial skills over the years, along with great ability not only as a coach but also as a top-level rider. He has been a key figure for the azzurra team, especially as coach to his wife and athlete, Giulia Martinengo Marquet. Now he has the honour of leading our national team, and I wish him every success, also on behalf of the Federal Council. I’m confident that together we will achieve great things.”