Michele Turetta, Italy’s most accomplished darts player, stumbled upon the sport by chance in a Vicenza bar. Driven by a desire for excellence, he quickly dedicated himself to the game, balancing a full-time job with his passion. His hard work propelled him to become Italy’s Number One, culminating in a historic run at the 2023 World Cup of Darts where, alongside Massimo Dante, he led Italy to the quarter-finals, stunning major darting nations. Despite later losing his coveted tour card, Turetta’s journey is a testament to his unwavering tenacity and potential for a spectacular return to the top.
From Bar Discovery to National Champion
Michele Turetta’s remarkable journey in darts began not in a professional academy, but in a casual setting. While at a bar in Vicenza with a friend, he observed people playing darts and found himself intrigued. A friend soon provided him with an introduction to the sport’s rules and the structure of Italian leagues, sparking the curiosity of the local labourer. From his very first throws, Turetta discovered a natural talent.
“If Il Ture does something, he wants to do it well,” Turetta often says. This personal motto became the cornerstone of his darting career. He quickly became a dedicated student of the game, immersing himself in the world of darts. His initial learning ground was YouTube, where he spent countless hours watching legends like Phil Taylor and other top players of that era, falling deeply in love with the sport.
The Ascent to Italy’s Number One
Turetta’s path to the top was built on relentless effort. Despite the demands of his full-time job, he committed himself to honing his skills, participating in as many tournaments as possible. He was fortunate to have a supportive employer who understood his passion and accommodated his schedule when feasible. Bound by his working constraints, Turetta nevertheless battled his way through the ranks of Italian darts, ultimately achieving the prestigious title of his country’s Number One player.
World Cup Glory: Italy’s Unexpected Heroes
Michele Turetta is most widely recognised for his unforgettable performance at the 2023 World Cup of Darts. Partnering with the distinctive Massimo Dante, Turetta led Italy on an incredible run that echoed, in spirit, Italy’s footballing triumph at the 2006 World Cup. While they didn’t win the title outright, their journey was nothing short of heroic.
Their campaign saw them defy immense odds:
- Stunning Australia: Few believed Italy could overcome the strong Australian team, but Turetta and Dante pulled off a sensational victory.
- Conquering Belgium: Following this upset, they continued their giant-killing form by defeating Belgium, securing Italy’s place in the quarter-finals. This remarkable achievement instantly elevated them to the status of tournament heroes and established Italy as darts’ newest rising stars.
The Aftermath: Pressure, Potential, and a Setback
Capitalising on the immense success and confidence gained from the World Cup, Turetta learned to not only cope with the pressure of major events but to truly thrive under it. As Italy’s first-ever PDC Tour Card holder, he earned respect as a “lower-ranked” player on the main tour. Even darts legend Peter Wright publicly predicted that the man from Vicenza had the potential to break into the Top 16.
However, the demanding professional circuit proved challenging. Despite achieving a magical nine-dart finish in a 2025 World Series Qualifier – a rare feat in darts – Turetta sadly lost his tour card at the end of that very year.
The Fight for a Return: Q-School and Future Hopes
Undeterred, Turetta immediately set his sights on regaining his professional status. At the 2026 EU Q-School, his tenacity was on full display. On Day 2 of the event in Kalkar, he showcased his fighting spirit, reaching the semi-finals and coming within “match darts” of securing his tour card at the first attempt. This near-miss, understandable for any player, arguably deflated him, and he wasn’t able to build on that momentum in the subsequent days, remaining without a tour card for 2026.
Yet, anyone capable of propelling a darting minnow nation to the quarter-finals of a major PDC tournament clearly possesses extraordinary talent and resilience. Fans should not believe they have seen the last of “Il Ture.” As a proud Italian, his journey hints at a potential “Renaissance” in his career. With the spirit of “nessun dorma” (no sleep) – a famous Italian aria meaning “none shall sleep” – Turetta is expected to be back, ready to battle once more. His determination would undoubtedly make Dante proud, not just his darting partner, but the literary giant himself.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
