Piero D’Inzeo, equestrian champion, was born in Rome. Piero dedicated himself to horse riding from a very young age, under the tutelage of his father Costante, marshal of the Italian cavalry and founder of the “Società Ippica Romana” in 1934. His origin is from Montecilfone, in the province of Campobaso, Molise. The D’Inzeos are a household name in the Arbëresh community of the area. During the Italian monarchy, Pasquale D’Inzeo, the champion’s grandfather, was mayor from 1896 to 1902. Following in his father’s footsteps, Piero became a cavalry major in the ranks of the Carabinieri. Participant in eight consecutive Olympic Games, from 1948 in London to 1976 in Montreal. He won two silver and four bronze medals. One of Piero’s favorite competitions was undoubtedly the annual international competition “Piazza di Siena”, which has been held since 1926, in which he turns out to be the rider with the most victories. Starting from 2014, the race in “Piazza di Siena” has been named “Master Fratelli D’Inzeo” in honor of two Arbëresh brothers, legends of world equestrianism. They have passed away, but they are a great example for their country of origin and Italy itself. They dominated in the first half of the 20th century in the international arena of this sport, and were victorious in almost all the championships of the time. And they are rightfully considered among the most important equestrians of the 20th century. (In the photo: Arbëresh brothers Piero and Raimondo D’Inzeo)
Text: Center of Studies and Publications for Arbëresh
Photo: © https://paginedisport.net/
Graphic processing: AHCF
