# Sport in Italy

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Sport_in_Italy
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Sport_in_Italy.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_in_Italy
> Source revision: 1333382377
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

The [Italy national football team](/source/Italy_national_football_team) in 2012. Football is the most popular sport in Italy.

Italy during [2019 FIFA Women's World Cup](/source/2019_FIFA_Women's_World_Cup) match against [Australia](/source/Australia_women's_national_soccer_team).

**Sport in Italy** has a long tradition. In several sports, both individual and team, [Italy](/source/Italy) has good representation and many successes. The most popular sport in Italy is [football](/source/Association_football).[1][2] Italy's [national football team](/source/Italy_national_football_team) is one of the world's most successful teams with four [FIFA World Cup](/source/FIFA_World_Cup) victories ([1934](/source/1934_FIFA_World_Cup), [1938](/source/1938_FIFA_World_Cup), [1982](/source/1982_FIFA_World_Cup) and [2006](/source/2006_FIFA_World_Cup)) and two [UEFA Euro](/source/UEFA_Euro) victories ([1968](/source/UEFA_Euro_1968) and [2021](/source/UEFA_Euro_2021)).[3] Italian clubs have won 48 major European trophies, making Italy the [second most successful country in European football](/source/List_of_UEFA_club_competition_winners#By_country). Italy's top-flight club football league is named [Serie A](/source/Serie_A) and is followed by millions of fans around the world.[4]

Other popular team sports in Italy include [basketball](/source/Basketball), [volleyball](/source/Volleyball), [waterpolo](/source/Water_polo) and [rugby](/source/Rugby_football).[5] Italy's [male](/source/Italy_national_volleyball_team) and [female](/source/Italy_women's_national_volleyball_team) national volleyball teams are often [featured among the world's best](/source/FIVB_World_Rankings). The [Italian national basketball team](/source/Italian_national_basketball_team)'s best results were gold at [Eurobasket 1983](/source/Eurobasket_1983) and [EuroBasket 1999](/source/EuroBasket_1999), as well as silver at the Olympics in [1980](/source/Basketball_at_the_1980_Summer_Olympics) and [2004](/source/Basketball_at_the_2004_Summer_Olympics). [Lega Basket Serie A](/source/Lega_Basket_Serie_A) is widely considered one of the most competitive in Europe.[6] Italy's [rugby national team](/source/Italy_national_rugby_union_team) competes in the [Six Nations Championship](/source/Six_Nations_Championship), and is a regular at the [Rugby World Cup](/source/Rugby_World_Cup). The [men's volleyball team](/source/Italy_men's_national_volleyball_team) won three consecutive [World Championships](/source/FIVB_Volleyball_Men's_World_Championship) (in 1990, 1994, and 1998) and earned the [Olympic](/source/Olympics) silver medal in 1996, 2004, and 2016.

Italy has a long and successful tradition in individual sports as well. [Bicycle racing](/source/Bicycle_racing) is a familiar sport in the country[7] along with [fencing](/source/Fencing), [shooting](/source/Shooting_sports) and [boxing](/source/Boxing). [Alpine skiing](/source/Alpine_skiing) is also a widespread sport in Italy, and the country is a popular international skiing destination, known for its ski resorts.[8] Italian skiers achieved good results in [Winter Olympic Games](/source/Winter_Olympic_Games), [Alpine Ski World Cup](/source/FIS_Alpine_Ski_World_Cup), and [tennis](/source/Tennis) has a significant following in Italy, ranking as the fourth most practised sport in the country.[9] [Motorsports](/source/Motorsports) are also extremely popular in Italy.[5] Italy has won, by far, [the most MotoGP World Championships](/source/List_of_Grand_Prix_motorcycle_racing_World_champions#By_country). Italian [Scuderia Ferrari](/source/Scuderia_Ferrari) is the oldest surviving team in [Grand Prix](/source/Grand_Prix_motor_racing) racing,[10] having competed since 1948, and statistically the [most successful Formula One team in history](/source/List_of_Formula_One_Grand_Prix_winners_(constructors)).

Historically, Italy has been successful in the [Olympic Games](/source/Olympic_Games), taking part from the [first Olympiad](/source/1896_Summer_Olympics) and in 47 Games out of 48, not having officially participated in the [1904 Summer Olympics](/source/1904_Summer_Olympics).[11] [Italian sportsmen](/source/Italy_at_the_Olympics) have won 618 medals at the [Summer Olympic Games](/source/Summer_Olympic_Games), and another 141 at the [Winter Olympic Games](/source/Winter_Olympic_Games), for a combined total of 759 medals with 259 golds, which makes them the [sixth most successful nation in Olympic history](/source/All-time_Olympic_Games_medal_table) for total medals. The country hosted two Winter Olympics and will host a third (in [1956](/source/1956_Winter_Olympics), [2006](/source/2006_Winter_Olympics), and [2026](/source/2026_Winter_Olympics)), and one Summer games (in [1960](/source/1960_Summer_Olympics)).

## Participation by sport

This list, published by [Italian National Olympic Committee](/source/Italian_National_Olympic_Committee), refers to a survey made by [National Institute of Statistics (Italy)](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Italy)) in 2000.[12]

# Sport Participants National teams Details 1 Football (including futsal) 4,363,000 Football Futsal Football in Italy 2 Water sports 3,480,000 Swimming Diving Water polo 3 Gymnastics (including physical education) 2,204,000 4 Skiing 2,060,000 5 Cycling 1,321,000 Cycling 6 Tennis 1,298,000 Davis Cup team Fed Cup team Tennis in Italy 7 Volleyball (including beach volleyball) 999,000 Volleyball (men) Volleyball (women) 8 Athletics (including road running) 995,000 Athletics Athletics in Italy 9 Basketball 606,000 Basketball 10 Bodybuilding (including physical fitness) 555,000

## Sports

### Football

Main article: [Football in Italy](/source/Football_in_Italy)

[Gigi Riva](/source/Gigi_Riva), with [35 goals](/source/List_of_international_goals_scored_by_Gigi_Riva) in 42 appearances (in all official competitions) between 1965 and 1974, is [Italy's all-time leading goalscorer](/source/Italy_national_football_team_records#Goalscorers).[13]

[Football](/source/Association_football) (*calcio* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is the most popular sport in Italy.[14] The [Italy national football team](/source/Italy_national_football_team) is considered to be one of the best national teams in the world. They have won the [FIFA World Cup](/source/FIFA_World_Cup) four times ([1934](/source/1934_FIFA_World_Cup), [1938](/source/1938_FIFA_World_Cup), [1982](/source/1982_FIFA_World_Cup), [2006](/source/2006_FIFA_World_Cup)), trailing only [Brazil](/source/Brazil_national_football_team) (with 5), runners-up in two finals ([1970](/source/1970_FIFA_World_Cup), [1994](/source/1994_FIFA_World_Cup)) and reaching a third place ([1990](/source/1990_FIFA_World_Cup)) and a fourth place ([1978](/source/1978_FIFA_World_Cup)). They have also won two [European Championships](/source/UEFA_European_Football_Championship) ([1968](/source/1968_UEFA_European_Football_Championship) and [2020](/source/2020_UEFA_European_Football_Championship)), also appearing in two finals ([2000](/source/UEFA_Euro_2000), [2012](/source/UEFA_Euro_2012)), finished third at the [Confederations Cup](/source/FIFA_Confederations_Cup) ([2013](/source/2013_FIFA_Confederations_Cup)), won one [Olympic football tournament](/source/Football_at_the_Summer_Olympics) ([1936](/source/Football_at_the_1936_Summer_Olympics)) and two [Central European International Cups](/source/Central_European_International_Cup) ([1927–30](/source/1927%E2%80%9330_Central_European_International_Cup) and [1933–35](/source/1933%E2%80%9335_Central_European_International_Cup)).

Italy's top domestic league, the [Serie A](/source/Serie_A), is one of the most popular professional sports leagues in the world and it is often depicted as the most tactical national football league.[15] [Serie A](/source/Serie_A) clubs have seen success in the [Champions League (formerly the European Cup)](/source/UEFA_Champions_League), the premier [European](/source/UEFA) club competition, winning it twelve times. Italy's club sides have won 48 major European trophies, making them the second most successful nation in European football. [Serie A](/source/Serie_A) hosts three of the world's most famous clubs as [Juventus](/source/Juventus_FC), [Milan](/source/A.C._Milan) and [Inter](/source/Inter_Milan), all founding members of the [G-14](/source/G-14), a group which represented the largest and most prestigious European football clubs; [Serie A](/source/Serie_A) was the only league to produce three founding members. Juventus, Milan and Inter, along with [Roma](/source/A.S._Roma), [Fiorentina](/source/ACF_Fiorentina), [Lazio](/source/S.S._Lazio) and historically [Parma](/source/Parma_Calcio_1913), but now [Napoli](/source/S.S.C._Napoli), are known as the Seven Sisters of Italian football.[16] The Italian word for soccer is **calcio**, "kick", taken from the name of Italy's traditional football games, as opposed to being adapted from the English name *football* or *soccer*, as in most other languages. Often, Italian children can be seen playing on the street with friends and relatives.

The [San Siro](/source/San_Siro) stadium in [Milan](/source/Milan).

The history of football in Italy gives much of the explanation behind why it has remained such a popular sport today. The first record of an Italian football team goes back to 1893. This team was named [FC Genoa](/source/Genoa_C.F.C.). The sport was brought to Italy through [the Romans](/source/Roman_Empire), who used to play a very similar game called [harpastum](/source/Harpastum), which included two teams aiming to score on their opponents side (hands could be used along with feet). Years later, the [Renaissance](/source/Renaissance) brought about big changes for not only the art and culture of Italy, but also for sport. Specifically, [Florence](/source/Florence) was the spot where the most changes occurred. Football of the past was different from that of today as teams were much larger with 27 people. Also, the games were only 50 minutes long. Today, the games consist of two 45 minute halves. The Italy National team first began playing in 1910 in the FIFA World Cup.[17] To the surprise of many fans, the Italy National Team did not qualify for the tournament in 2017. This was the first time in sixty years that the team did not make the World Cup after losing to [Sweden](/source/Sweden_men's_national_football_team). The loss was published in popular sport newspapers in Italy such as *[La Gazzetta dello Sport](/source/La_Gazzetta_dello_Sport)*, which is one of the largest selling newspapers in Italy.[18]

[Carolina Morace](/source/Carolina_Morace) legendary figure in Italian women's football, Carolina Morace was a prolific striker who played for the Italian national team and also served as their coach.

Stadiums have also become more than a place to watch a football game today. All across Italy, stadiums now include various different things such as museums, shops, and restaurants for the people attending the game to enjoy. Italian football stadiums also host other venues such as concerts, rugby matches, and field and track.[19] Italy takes pride in their football stadiums and have some of the most well known in the world. Most Italian stadiums have stadium tours where children six and under are allowed to go for free . The [city of Milan](/source/Milan) stadium, which is also known as the [San Siro](/source/San_Siro) stadium, has the biggest seating capacity in Italy with 80,018 seats.[20] The stadium is also known in the country as "La Scala del Calcio." It is also known as the "Giuseppe Meazza" stadium after the Italian star, [Giuseppe Meazza](/source/Giuseppe_Meazza).[19] The San Siro stadium has hosted four [UEFA Champions League](/source/UEFA_Champions_League) finals. This stadium is where the rival teams [AC Milan](/source/A.C._Milan) and [Internazionale](/source/Inter_Milan) play. The two clubs meet twice a year and the matches between these two clubs are known as the *[Derby della Madonnina](/source/Derby_della_Madonnina)*. It is called *Derby della Madonnina* in honour of one of the main sights in the city of Milan, the statue of the [Virgin Mary](/source/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus)) on the top of the [Duomo](/source/Milan_Cathedral), which is often referred to as the *[Madonnina](/source/Madonnina_(statue))* ("Little Madonna" in Italian). Another famous stadium in Italy is the [Stadio Olimpico](/source/Stadio_Olimpico). This stadium is the second largest in Italy and is where the rival teams [AS Roma](/source/A.S._Roma) and [SS Lazio](/source/S.S._Lazio) play. The two clubs meet twice a year and the matches between these two clubs are known as the *[Derby della Capitale](/source/Derby_della_Capitale)* (Derby of the Capital). Also, the Stadio Olimpico holds the [Coppa Italia](/source/Coppa_Italia) Final.[20]

Being a football country, Italy has some all-time great players that have played for them. More players have won the coveted *[Ballon d'Or](/source/Ballon_d'Or)* award while playing in [Serie A](/source/Serie_A) than any other league in the world, except [La Liga](/source/La_Liga). [Fabio Cannavaro](/source/Fabio_Cannavaro) played professional football from 1992 to 2011. He is among only one of three defenders to have been named FIFA's Player of the Year. Cannavaro won the award in 2006 which is the same year he also helped Italy reach the finals of the World Cup. Another one of Italy's all-time great football players was [Dino Zoff](/source/Dino_Zoff). Zoff played goalie for Italy, and at 40 years old he became the oldest player to win the World Cup. Also, Dino holds the record for the longest time without giving up a goal at an international tournament with 1,142 minutes. His club play includes six Serie A titles. After retiring from playing football, Dino later became a coach. Another great Italian football player was Giuseppe Meazza. Meazza scored 33 goals in his 53 World Cup appearances. Meazza has the second most goals scored for Italy all time since he is only two goals behind [Gigi Riva](/source/Gigi_Riva). Giuseppe won two World Cup's with Italy as well as winning three Serie A titles and one Coppa Italia title.[19]

### Water sports

[Federica Pellegrini](/source/Federica_Pellegrini) during the [2009 World Aquatics Championships](/source/2009_World_Aquatics_Championships)

- [Swimming](/source/Swimming) (*nuoto* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is a popular sport in Italy. The [Italian Swimming Federation](/source/Italian_Swimming_Federation), founded in 1899 is the principal [Swimming](/source/Swimming_(sport)) Federation in [Italy](/source/Italy).[21] It brings together more than 1200 clubs.[21] The [Italy national swimming team](/source/Italy_national_swimming_team) represents Italy in International swimming competitions such as [Olympic Games](/source/Olympic_Games) or [World swimming Championships](/source/FINA_World_Aquatics_Championships). Notable Italian swimmers are [Novella Calligaris](/source/Novella_Calligaris), [Giorgio Lamberti](/source/Giorgio_Lamberti), [Domenico Fioravanti](/source/Domenico_Fioravanti), [Massimiliano Rosolino](/source/Massimiliano_Rosolino), [Alessio Boggiatto](/source/Alessio_Boggiatto), [Federica Pellegrini](/source/Federica_Pellegrini), [Filippo Magnini](/source/Filippo_Magnini) and [Gregorio Paltrinieri](/source/Gregorio_Paltrinieri).[22][23]

[Italy men's national water polo team](/source/Italy_men's_national_water_polo_team) vs. [Croatia](/source/Croatia_men's_national_water_polo_team) during the [2016 Summer Olympics](/source/2016_Summer_Olympics)

- The [Italy men's national water polo team](/source/Italy_men's_national_water_polo_team) represents [Italy](/source/Italy) in men's international [water polo](/source/Water_polo) (*pallanuoto* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) competitions. The national men's team has the nickname of *Settebello*, a reference to both the Italian card game [scopa](/source/Scopa) and a standard water polo team having seven players.[24] The Italian men's water polo team has won 8 [Olympic](/source/Water_polo_at_the_Summer_Olympics) medals, 7 [World Championships](/source/Water_polo_world_championship), 5 [World Cup](/source/FINA_Water_Polo_World_Cup), 11 [European Championships](/source/European_Water_Polo_Championship) medals and 3 [World League](/source/FINA_Water_Polo_World_League) medals, making them one of the [most successful](/source/List_of_water_polo_world_medalists#Men's_water_polo_world_medalists) men's water polo teams in the world. They have won a combined twelve championships in those five competitions, with the World League, the last competition which Italy won in 2022.

- The [Italy women's national water polo team](/source/Italy_women's_national_water_polo_team) represents [Italy](/source/Italy) in international [women](/source/Women)'s [water polo](/source/Water_polo) competitions and friendly matches. The team is one of the leading teams in [Europe](/source/Europe) since the mid-1990s, claiming the title at the [2004 Summer Olympics](/source/2004_Summer_Olympics) in [Athens, Greece](/source/Athens%2C_Greece). The squad is nicknamed the *Setterosa*.[25] The *[Serie A1 di pallanuoto maschile](/source/Serie_A1_(water_polo))* is the premier division of the [Italian](/source/Italy) [water polo](/source/Water_polo) male [national championship](/source/National_championship). First held in 1912, it is currently contested by twelve teams. [Pro Recco](/source/Pro_Recco) is the Serie A1's most successful club with 36 titles since 1959, followed by [CN Posillipo](/source/CN_Posillipo) with eleven.[26]

- [Sailing](/source/Sailing_(sport)) (*vela* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) and [rowing](/source/Rowing_(sport)) (*canottaggio* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) are popular sport in Italy. Notable Italian sailors are [Agostino Straulino](/source/Agostino_Straulino) and [Alessandra Sensini](/source/Alessandra_Sensini), while noteworthy Italian rower are [Peppiniello Di Capua](/source/Giuseppe_Di_Capua), [Giuseppe Abbagnale](/source/Giuseppe_Abbagnale), [Carmine Abbagnale](/source/Carmine_Abbagnale) and [Agostino Abbagnale](/source/Agostino_Abbagnale).[22]

[Barcolana](/source/Barcolana) is the largest [regatta](/source/Regatta) in the world.[27]

- On the second Sunday of October in the [Gulf of Trieste](/source/Gulf_of_Trieste) the [Barcolana](/source/Barcolana) is held: established in 1969, it is today the largest [regatta](/source/Regatta) in the world.[27] The Barcolana became the [Guinness World Record](/source/Guinness_World_Record) holder in February 2019 when it was named "the greatest sailing race" with its 2,689 boats and over 16,000 sailors on the starting line.[28] The Barcolana is organized by the yacht club Società Velica di [Barcola](/source/Barcola) e Grignano. Thanks to its particular formula, the Barcolana is a unique event on the international sailing stage: on the same starting line expert sailors and sailing lovers race side by side on boats of different sizes divided into several divisions according to their overall length.[29] Still on the subject of [boat racing](/source/Boat_racing), another noteworthy race is the [Regatta of the Historical Marine Republics](/source/Regatta_of_the_Historical_Marine_Republics). The Regatta of the Historical [Maritime Republics](/source/Maritime_Republics) is a sporting event of historical re-enactment, established in 1955 with the aim of recalling the rivalry of the most famous Italian maritime republics: those of [Republic of Amalfi](/source/Republic_of_Amalfi), [Republic of Pisa](/source/Republic_of_Pisa), [Republic of Genoa](/source/Republic_of_Genoa) and [Republic of Venice](/source/Republic_of_Venice), during which four rowing crews representing each of the republics compete against each other. This event, held under the patronage of the [President of Italy](/source/President_of_Italy),[30] takes place every year on a day between the end of May and the beginning of July, and is hosted in rotation between these cities.

- In 1972, [synchronized swimming](/source/Synchronized_swimming) (*nuoto sincronizzato* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) took hold in Italy, thanks to the commitment of a swimming teacher at the Lanciani swimming pool in Rome, who decided to let boys and girls try to train the alternating [backstroke](/source/Backstroke), rhythmizing the movements.[31] In 1976 the first synchronized swimming team was formed, the "clams", made up of seven girls and one boy.[31] At the Italian swimming pools athletes and swimming teachers began to study and practice the discipline, teaching it and making the sport grow.

- Towards the end of the 19th century the [diving](/source/Diving_(sport)) (*tuffi* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) also spread to Italy and in particular to Rome where the [Ponte Milvio](/source/Ponte_Milvio) became an ideal place for acrobatics on the [Tiber](/source/Tiber).[32] In Italy, the first national diving championship was held in 1900 in [Milan](/source/Milan), at [Bagni di Diana](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bagni_di_Diana&action=edit&redlink=1).[32] Notable Italian diver is [Klaus Dibiasi](/source/Klaus_Dibiasi), while noteworthy Italian [free-diver](/source/Free-diving) is [Enzo Maiorca](/source/Enzo_Maiorca).[22]

- Other popular water sports in Italy are [water skiing](/source/Water_skiing) (*sci nautico* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)), [surfing](/source/Surfing) (*surf* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) and [water basketball](/source/Water_basketball) (*pallacanestro acquatica* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)).

### Basketball

[Virtus Bologna](/source/Virtus_Bologna)'s fans of *Curva Calori* in [PalaDozza](/source/PalaDozza), 2018

Italy has a long and rich tradition in [basketball](/source/Basketball) (*pallacanestro* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)). The [Italy men's national basketball team](/source/Italy_men's_national_basketball_team) has qualified for 38 [EuroBasket](/source/EuroBasket) tournaments, winning two gold medals ([1983](/source/EuroBasket_1983), [1999](/source/EuroBasket_1999)), four silver medals ([1937](/source/EuroBasket_1937), [1946](/source/EuroBasket_1946), [1991](/source/EuroBasket_1991), [1997](/source/EuroBasket_1997)), and four bronze medals ([1971](/source/EuroBasket_1971), [1975](/source/EuroBasket_1975), [1985](/source/EuroBasket_1985), [2003](/source/EuroBasket_2003)) as achievements. While Italy has made nine trips to the [World Cup](/source/FIBA_Basketball_World_Cup), the closest they have come to winning a medal was in [1970](/source/1970_FIBA_World_Championship) and [1978](/source/1978_FIBA_World_Championship), where they finished fourth. In 12 attempts at the [Summer Olympics](/source/Basketball_at_the_Summer_Olympics), Italy has earned two silver medals, in [1980](/source/Basketball_at_the_1980_Summer_Olympics) and [2004](/source/Basketball_at_the_2004_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men's_tournament). Currently, Italy is ranked 10th in the [FIBA World Rankings](/source/FIBA_World_Rankings).[33] [Italy women's national basketball team](/source/Italy_women's_national_basketball_team) at the [European Women's Basketball Championship](/source/EuroBasket_Women) the Italian team won gold medal in [1938](/source/EuroBasket_Women_1938) and bronze medal in [1974](/source/EuroBasket_Women_1974).[34]

[Cecilia Zandalasini](/source/Cecilia_Zandalasini) guarded by [Myisha Hines-Allen](/source/Myisha_Hines-Allen) in 2018.

A total of 99 teams have competed in the [LBA](/source/Lega_Basket_Serie_A) since its inception. [Seventeen teams](/source/Lega_Basket_Serie_A#Titles_by_club) have been crowned champions, with [Olimpia Milano](/source/Pallacanestro_Olimpia_Milano) having won the title a record 28 times, and [Virtus Bologna](/source/Virtus_Bologna) 16 times. According to [FIBA Europe](/source/FIBA_Europe)'s and [Euroleague Basketball](/source/Euroleague_Basketball)'s [national league coefficients](/source/Historical_European_national_basketball_league_rankings), the LBA was the historically top ranked national domestic league in [Europe](/source/Europe), for the period 1958 to 2007. Today, the LBA is considered to be one of the top European national basketball leagues. Its clubs have won the most [EuroLeague](/source/EuroLeague) championships ([13](/source/EuroLeague#Titles_by_nation)), the most [FIBA Saporta Cups](/source/FIBA_Saporta_Cup) ([15](/source/FIBA_Saporta_Cup#Titles_by_nation)), and the most [FIBA Korać Cups](/source/FIBA_Kora%C4%87_Cup) ([10](/source/FIBA_Kora%C4%87_Cup#Titles_by_nation)).

Famous Italian club teams include [Olimpia Milano](/source/Pallacanestro_Olimpia_Milano), [Virtus Bologna](/source/Virtus_Pallacanestro_Bologna), [Pallacanestro Varese](/source/Pallacanestro_Varese), [Pallacanestro Cantù](/source/Pallacanestro_Cant%C3%B9), [Fortitudo Bologna](/source/Fortitudo_Pallacanestro_Bologna), [Victoria Libertas](/source/U.S._Victoria_Libertas_Pallacanestro), [Pallacanestro Treviso](/source/Pallacanestro_Treviso), [Mens Sana 1871](/source/Mens_Sana_1871_Basket), [Virtus Roma](/source/Pallacanestro_Virtus_Roma), [Pallacanestro Trieste](/source/Pallacanestro_Trieste), [JuveCaserta](/source/JuveCaserta_Basket) and [Scaligera Verona](/source/Scaligera_Basket_Verona).

### Athletics

See also: [Athletics in Italy](/source/Athletics_in_Italy)

[Pietro Mennea](/source/Pietro_Mennea)

The governing body of [Athletics](/source/Athletics_(sport)) (*atletica leggera* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) in Italy is [Italian Athletics Federation](/source/Italian_Athletics_Federation) affiliated to European federation, the [European Athletic Association](/source/European_Athletic_Association) (EAA), international federation, the [International Association of Athletics Federations](/source/International_Association_of_Athletics_Federations) (IAAF) and [Italian National Olympic Committee](/source/Italian_National_Olympic_Committee) (CONI), which in turn is a member of [International Olympic Committee](/source/International_Olympic_Committee) (IOC).

The [Italy national athletics team](/source/Italy_national_athletics_team) represents Italy at the [international athletics competitions](/source/International_athletics_championships_and_games) such as [Olympic Games](/source/Summer_Olympics) or [world athletics championships](/source/IAAF_World_Championships_in_Athletics). Amongst the most famous Italian athletes, there's the sprinter [Pietro Mennea](/source/Pietro_Mennea) (1952-2013) who held the [200 metres](/source/200_metres) world record (19:72) for 17 years from 1979 to 1996 and is still holder of the European record.[35]

Other notable Italian athletes are [Ugo Frigerio](/source/Ugo_Frigerio), [Ondina Valla](/source/Ondina_Valla), [Adolfo Consolini](/source/Adolfo_Consolini), [Pino Dordoni](/source/Pino_Dordoni), [Abdon Pamich](/source/Abdon_Pamich), [Livio Berruti](/source/Livio_Berruti), [Sara Simeoni](/source/Sara_Simeoni), [Gabriella Dorio](/source/Gabriella_Dorio), [Alberto Cova](/source/Alberto_Cova), [Gelindo Bordin](/source/Gelindo_Bordin), [Stefano Baldini](/source/Stefano_Baldini), [Maurizio Damilano](/source/Maurizio_Damilano), [Dorando Pietri](/source/Dorando_Pietri), [Paola Pigni](/source/Paola_Pigni), [Luigi Beccali](/source/Luigi_Beccali), [Alessandro Andrei](/source/Alessandro_Andrei), [Gianmarco Tamberi](/source/Gianmarco_Tamberi) and [Marcell Jacobs](/source/Marcell_Jacobs).[22][36]

### Cycling

Starting in 1909, the [Giro d'Italia](/source/Giro_d'Italia) is the [Grands Tours](/source/Grand_Tour_(cycling))' second oldest.[37]

[Cycling](/source/Cycle_sport) (*ciclismo* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is a well-represented sport in Italy. [Bicycle racing](/source/Bicycle_racing) is a familiar sport in the country.[7] [Italians](/source/Italians) have won the [World Cycling Championship](/source/World_Cycling_Championship) [more than any other country](/source/UCI_Road_World_Championships_%E2%80%93_Men's_road_race#Medalists_by_nation), except Belgium. The [Giro d'Italia](/source/Giro_d'Italia) is a world-famous long-distance cycling race held every May, and constitutes one of the three [Grand Tours](/source/Grand_Tour_(cycling)), along with the [Tour de France](/source/Tour_de_France) and the [Vuelta a España](/source/Vuelta_a_Espa%C3%B1a), each of which last approximately three weeks. The race has been held annually since its first edition in 1909, except during the two [world wars](/source/World_War).[38] As the Giro gained prominence and popularity the race was lengthened, and the peloton expanded from primarily Italian participation to riders from all over the world. The Giro is a [UCI World Tour](/source/UCI_World_Tour) event, which means that the teams that compete in the race are mostly [UCI WorldTeams](/source/UCI_WorldTeam), with some additional teams invited as 'wild cards'.[39][40] The rider with the lowest aggregate time is the leader of the general classification and wears the [pink jersey](/source/General_classification_in_the_Giro_d'Italia).

[Giorgia Bronzini](/source/Giorgia_Bronzini) cyclist specializing in road and track events, known for her sprinting abilities and multiple world championship titles in track cycling.

Two of the five '[Monuments](/source/Classic_cycle_races)', the oldest and most prestigious one-day races on the cycling calendar, are located in Italy: [Milan–San Remo](/source/Milan%E2%80%93San_Remo), held in March, and [Giro di Lombardia](/source/Giro_di_Lombardia), held in September or October. The Milan–San Remo, also called "*The Spring classic*" or "*La Classicissima*", is an annual [road cycling](/source/Road_bicycle_racing) race between [Milan](/source/Milan) and [Sanremo](/source/Sanremo), in [Northwest Italy](/source/Northwest_Italy). With a distance of 298 km (~185.2 miles) it is the longest professional one-day race in modern cycling. It is the first major [classic](/source/Classic_cycle_races) race of the season. The first edition was held in [1907](/source/1907_Milan%E2%80%93San_Remo).[41] The Giro di Lombardia, officially *Il Lombardia*, is a [cycling race](/source/Cycling_race) in [Lombardy](/source/Lombardy), [Italy](/source/Italy).[42] It is traditionally the last of the five '[Monuments](/source/Cycling_monument)' of the season, considered to be one of the most prestigious one-day events in cycling, and one of the last events on the [UCI World Tour](/source/UCI_World_Tour) calendar. Nicknamed the *Classica delle foglie morte* ("the Classic of the falling (dead) leaves"), it is the most important [Autumn Classic](/source/Classic_cycle_races#Fall.2Fautumn_classics) in cycling. The race's most famous climb is the [Madonna del Ghisallo](/source/Madonna_del_Ghisallo) in the race finale. Because of its demanding course, the race is considered a *[climbers](/source/Climbing_specialist) classic*, favouring climbers with a strong sprint finish.

Some of the most successful Italian road cyclists have been [Costante Girardengo](/source/Costante_Girardengo), [Fausto Coppi](/source/Fausto_Coppi), [Gino Bartali](/source/Gino_Bartali), [Alfredo Binda](/source/Alfredo_Binda), [Felice Gimondi](/source/Felice_Gimondi), [Fiorenzo Magni](/source/Fiorenzo_Magni), [Mario Cipollini](/source/Mario_Cipollini), [Francesco Moser](/source/Francesco_Moser), [Marco Pantani](/source/Marco_Pantani), [Moreno Argentin](/source/Moreno_Argentin), [Paolo Bettini](/source/Paolo_Bettini), [Michele Bartoli](/source/Michele_Bartoli), [Gianni Bugno](/source/Gianni_Bugno), [Alessandro Petacchi](/source/Alessandro_Petacchi) and [Vincenzo Nibali](/source/Vincenzo_Nibali).

The economic footprint of the sport is substantial, with around 33 million visitors in Italy now including some cycling in their trip according to pro.eurovelo.com. Within that group, Ecobnb reports about 9 million “pure” cycle tourists travel primarily to ride. In 2023, cycling tourism generated 56.8 million trips and over €5.5 billion in direct economic impact per E-Bike Travel, and by 2024, the Cycle Tourism Show estimated visits tied to cycle tourism in Italy reached 89 million, continuing the boom.[43]

### Rugby union

Main article: [Rugby union in Italy](/source/Rugby_union_in_Italy)

The [Stadio Flaminio](/source/Stadio_Flaminio) during a rugby union match in the [2011 Six Nations Championship](/source/2011_Six_Nations_Championship), between Italy and [France](/source/France_national_rugby_union_team), which resulted in an upset victory for Italy.

[Rugby union](/source/Rugby_union) (*rugby a 15* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) enjoys a good level of popularity, especially in the north of the country. From the 2010–11 season, Italy has had two teams in the [Pro12](/source/Pro14), previously an all-[Celtic](/source/Celtic_nations) competition, involving teams from [Ireland](/source/Rugby_union_in_Ireland), [Scotland](/source/Rugby_union_in_Scotland), and [Wales](/source/Rugby_union_in_Wales).[44] To accommodate this move, the country's [National Championship of Excellence](/source/Top12) effectively became a semi-professional developmental competition. The two Pro12 sides took up Italy's existing places in the elite Europe-wide club competition, then known as the Heineken Cup and now as the [European Rugby Champions Cup](/source/European_Rugby_Champions_Cup), and four *Eccellenza* sides compete in the second-tier [European Rugby Challenge Cup](/source/European_Rugby_Challenge_Cup). Italy's [national team](/source/Italy_national_rugby_union_team) competes since 2000 in the [Six Nations Championship](/source/Six_Nations_Championship), and is a regular at the [Rugby World Cup](/source/Rugby_World_Cup), despite having yet to pass the group stage. Italy are classed as a tier-one nation by [World Rugby](/source/World_Rugby).[45]

[Rugby union in Italy](/source/Rugby_union_in_Italy) is governed by the [Italian Rugby Federation](/source/Italian_Rugby_Federation). Rugby was introduced into [Italy](/source/Italy) in the early 1900s. It is also known as *pallovale* or *palla ovale* ("oval ball") within Italy.[46] The governing body of Italian rugby union is the [Federazione Italiana Rugby](/source/Federazione_Italiana_Rugby) (FIR). An original organisational committee was established in 1911, although it was in 1928 when the body became the FIR, and in 1987, it joined the [International Rugby Board](/source/International_Rugby_Board).[47] In 1934 the FIR became a founding member of the [Federation Internationale de Rugby Amateur](/source/FIRA-AER).

Rugby union's traditional heartland consisted of the small country towns in the [Po Valley](/source/Po_Valley), and other parts of [Northern Italy](/source/Northern_Italy).[48] One version says that Italian workers returning from France, particularly the south, introduced the game there, and gave it a significant rural/working class base, which still exists in towns such as [Treviso](/source/Treviso) and [Rovigo](/source/Rovigo).[48] A demonstration game was also played in 1910, in [Turin](/source/Turin) between [Racing Club Paris](/source/Racing_92) and Servette of [Geneva](/source/Geneva). The [Top10](/source/Top10_(rugby_union)), known as the *Peroni Top10* for sponsorship reasons, and formerly Top 12, is Italy's top level professional men's rugby union competition. The Top 10 is run by Italian Rugby Federation and is contested by 10 teams, following the Italian federation's decision to name Peroni as the official partner of the Top10 competition. Notable Italian players include [Ivan Francescato](/source/Ivan_Francescato), [Paolo Vaccari](/source/Paolo_Vaccari), [Carlo Checchinato](/source/Carlo_Checchinato), [Massimo Giovanelli](/source/Massimo_Giovanelli), [Mauro](/source/Mauro_Bergamasco) and [Mirco Bergamasco](/source/Mirco_Bergamasco), and [Sergio Parisse](/source/Sergio_Parisse).[48]

### Tennis

Main article: [Tennis in Italy](/source/Tennis_in_Italy)

[Jannik Sinner](/source/Jannik_Sinner)

[Tennis](/source/Tennis) has a significant following near courts and by television. Italian professional tennis players are always in the top 100 world's ranking of male and female players. The [Rome Masters](/source/Italian_Open_(tennis)), founded in 1930, is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world.[49] [Beach tennis with paddle racquet](/source/Beach_tennis#Beach_tennis_with_paddle_racket) was invented by Italians, and is practiced by many people across the country.[50]

The five most successful Italian tennis players with regard to [Grand Slam](/source/Grand_Slam_(tennis)) tournament results are [Nicola Pietrangeli](/source/Nicola_Pietrangeli) ([1959 French Championships](/source/1959_French_Championships_(tennis)) and [1960 French Championships](/source/1960_French_Championships_(tennis))), [Adriano Panatta](/source/Adriano_Panatta) ([1976 French Open](/source/1976_French_Open)), [Francesca Schiavone](/source/Francesca_Schiavone) ([2010 French Open](/source/2010_French_Open)), [Flavia Pennetta](/source/Flavia_Pennetta) ([2015 US Open](/source/2015_US_Open_(tennis))) and [Jannik Sinner](/source/Jannik_Sinner) ([2024 Australian Open](/source/2024_Australian_Open), [2024 US Open](/source/2024_US_Open_(tennis)), [2025 Australian Open](/source/2025_Australian_Open), and [2025 Wimbledon](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_Wimbledon&action=edit&redlink=1)).

[Roberta Vinci](/source/Roberta_Vinci) tennis player.

The [Italy Davis Cup team](/source/Italy_Davis_Cup_team) won the [1976 Davis Cup](/source/1976_Davis_Cup), and other three in a row in [2023 Davis Cup](/source/2023_Davis_Cup), [2024 Davis Cup](/source/2024_Davis_Cup), and [2025 Davis Cup](/source/2025_Davis_Cup) and the [Italy Fed Cup team](/source/Italy_Fed_Cup_team) won six times the [Fed Cup](/source/Fed_Cup) in 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2024, 2025. These triumphs, including an extraordinary three in a row, establish Italy as a true queen of modern tennis prestige. Italian players such as [Sara Errani](/source/Sara_Errani), [Flavia Pennetta](/source/Flavia_Pennetta), [Roberta Vinci](/source/Roberta_Vinci) and [Francesca Schiavone](/source/Francesca_Schiavone) have entered the WTA Top 10 in their careers. Schiavone was the first Italian player to win a [Grand Slam](/source/Grand_Slam_(tennis)) singles title, winning the [2010 French Open](/source/2010_French_Open); she was later followed by Pennetta, who won the [2015 US Open](/source/2015_US_Open_(tennis)). The doubles duo of [Sara Errani](/source/Sara_Errani) and [Roberta Vinci](/source/Roberta_Vinci) have accomplished a Career Grand Slam in doubles, have been named [ITF World Champions](/source/ITF_World_Champions) 3 years in a row (2012, 2013, 2014) and have ended every season since 2012 as World No. 1.[51] In 2019, [Matteo Berrettini](/source/Matteo_Berrettini) became the first Italian in singles to reach the final of [Wimbledon](/source/Wimbledon_Championships). [Jannik Sinner](/source/Jannik_Sinner) winner of four Grand Slam titles is currently the top Italian player in the [ATP rankings](/source/ATP_rankings), while [Jasmine Paolini](/source/Jasmine_Paolini) is currently the top Italian player in the [WTA rankings](/source/WTA_rankings).

### Volleyball

Italian people in [PalaPanini](/source/PalaPanini) for [Italian Volleyball League](/source/Italian_Volleyball_League)

[Volleyball](/source/Volleyball) (*pallavolo* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is played by a lot of amateur players. The [Italian Volleyball League](/source/Italian_Volleyball_League) and [Italian Women's Volleyball League](/source/Italian_Women's_Volleyball_League) are held since 1946. [Modena Volley](/source/Modena_Volley) won 12 neb's titles, [Volley Treviso](/source/Volley_Treviso) nine, and [Parma](/source/Pallavolo_Parma) eight. [Teodora Pallavolo Ravenna](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Teodora_Pallavolo_Ravenna&action=edit&redlink=1) won 11 women's titles, [Bergamo](/source/Volley_Bergamo) eight, and [Audax Modena](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Audax_Modena&action=edit&redlink=1) five.

In the [CEV Champions League](/source/CEV_Champions_League), Modena and Treviso won four titles each, [Porto Ravenna](/source/Porto_Ravenna_Volley) and [Trentino Volley](/source/Trentino_Volley) three, Parma two, and [CUS Torino](/source/CUS_Torino_Pallavolo) and [Volley Lube](/source/Volley_Lube) one. In the [CEV Women's Champions League](/source/CEV_Women's_Champions_League), [Bergamo](/source/Volley_Bergamo) won seven titles, [Olimpia Teodora Ravenna](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Olimpia_Teodora_Ravenna&action=edit&redlink=1) [Sirio Perugia](/source/Pallavolo_Sirio_Perugia) and [Matera](/source/Pallavolo_Femminile_Matera) two each, and [Modena](/source/Modena_Volley) and [Casalmaggiore](/source/Volley_Casalmaggiore) won one each.

The [Italy men's national volleyball team](/source/Italy_men's_national_volleyball_team) is one of the most successful national teams in the history of volleyball, having won four [World Championships](/source/FIVB_Volleyball_Men's_World_Championship) ([1990](/source/1990_FIVB_Volleyball_Men's_World_Championship), [1994](/source/1994_FIVB_Volleyball_Men's_World_Championship), [1998](/source/1998_FIVB_Volleyball_Men's_World_Championship) and [2022](/source/2022_FIVB_Volleyball_Men's_World_Championship)), seven [European Championships](/source/Men's_European_Volleyball_Championship) ([1989](/source/1989_Men's_European_Volleyball_Championship), [1993](/source/1993_Men's_European_Volleyball_Championship), [1995](/source/1995_Men's_European_Volleyball_Championship), [1999](/source/1999_Men's_European_Volleyball_Championship), [2003](/source/2003_Men's_European_Volleyball_Championship), [2005](/source/2005_Men's_European_Volleyball_Championship) and [2021](/source/2021_Men's_European_Volleyball_Championship)), one [World Cup](/source/FIVB_Volleyball_Men's_World_Cup) ([1995](/source/1995_FIVB_Volleyball_Men's_World_Cup)) and eight [World League](/source/Volleyball_World_League) ([1990](/source/1990_FIVB_Volleyball_World_League), [1991](/source/1991_FIVB_Volleyball_World_League), [1992](/source/1992_FIVB_Volleyball_World_League), [1994](/source/1994_FIVB_Volleyball_World_League), [1995](/source/1995_FIVB_Volleyball_World_League), [1997](/source/1997_FIVB_Volleyball_World_League), [1999](/source/1999_FIVB_Volleyball_World_League) and [2000](/source/2000_FIVB_Volleyball_World_League)). The [Italy women's national volleyball team](/source/Italy_women's_national_volleyball_team) won the [FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship](/source/FIVB_Volleyball_Women's_World_Championship) once ([2002](/source/2002_FIVB_Women's_World_Championship)), the [Women's European Volleyball Championship](/source/Women's_European_Volleyball_Championship) three times ([2007](/source/2007_Women's_European_Volleyball_Championship), [2009](/source/2009_Women's_European_Volleyball_Championship) and [2021](/source/2021_Women's_European_Volleyball_Championship)) and the [FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League](/source/FIVB_Volleyball_Women's_Nations_League) once ([2022](/source/2022_FIVB_Volleyball_Women's_Nations_League)).

The Italian national teams have won both the 2021 [Women's European Volleyball Championship](/source/Women's_European_Volleyball_Championship) and [Men's European Volleyball Championship](/source/Men's_European_Volleyball_Championship) in the same year. This also makes them the only country to have won the [UEFA European Championship](/source/UEFA_European_Championship), [Women's European Volleyball Championship](/source/Women's_European_Volleyball_Championship) and [Men's European Volleyball Championship](/source/Men's_European_Volleyball_Championship) all in the same year. Italy featured a women's national team in [beach volleyball](/source/Beach_volleyball) that competed at the [2018–2020 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup](/source/2018%E2%80%932020_CEV_Beach_Volleyball_Continental_Cup).[52]

#### Attendances

The average attendance per top-flight league season and the volleyball club with the highest average attendance:

Season League average Best club Best club average 2022–23 3,592 Sir Safety Susa Perugia 4,678

Source: League page on Wikipedia

### Winter sports

See also: [Italy national alpine ski team](/source/Italy_national_alpine_ski_team)

[Achille Compagnoni](/source/Achille_Compagnoni) and [Lino Lacedelli](/source/Lino_Lacedelli), the first people to [reach the summit of K2](/source/1954_Italian_Karakoram_expedition_to_K2).

[Winter sports](/source/Winter_sports) (*sport invernali* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)), are popular in Italy. Among them, Italians excel in [cross-country skiing](/source/Cross-country_skiing_(sport)) (*sci di fondo* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)), but also in [luge](/source/Luge) (*slittino* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)), with the two time Olympic gold medal winner [Armin Zoeggeler](/source/Armin_Zoeggeler).

- [Alpine skiing](/source/Alpine_skiing) or ski (*sci* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is a very popular sport in Italy, with more than 2,000,000 skiers, most of them in the northern regions near the [Alps](/source/Alps) and in the central provinces near the [Apennine Mountains](/source/Apennine_Mountains).[53] Italian skiers have achieved good results in the Winter Olympic Games, World Cup, and World Championship, most notably [Zeno Colò](/source/Zeno_Col%C3%B2), [Gustavo Thoeni](/source/Gustavo_Thoeni), who won 4 Overall World Cups between 1970 and 1975; [Piero Gros](/source/Piero_Gros), who was Overall World Cup champion in 1974, [Alberto Tomba](/source/Alberto_Tomba) who won the Overall World Cup in 1995 and [Federica Brignone](/source/Federica_Brignone), who was overall World Cup champion in 2020 and 2025. Tomba, Brignone, [Deborah Compagnoni](/source/Deborah_Compagnoni), and [Isolde Kostner](/source/Isolde_Kostner) received many medals in different editions of the Winter Olympic Games. [Giorgio Rocca](/source/Giorgio_Rocca) and [Manfred Mölgg](/source/Manfred_M%C3%B6lgg) won the Slalom World Cup in 2006 and 2008 respectively, whilst [Giuliano Razzoli](/source/Giuliano_Razzoli) was Olympic slalom champion in [2010](/source/Alpine_skiing_at_the_2010_Winter_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men's_slalom) and [Sofia Goggia](/source/Sofia_Goggia) was Olympic downhill champion in [2018](/source/Alpine_skiing_at_the_2018_Winter_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Women's_downhill). Other Italian winners of World Cup discipline titles include [Peter Fill](/source/Peter_Fill), [Peter Runggaldier](/source/Peter_Runggaldier), [Denise Karbon](/source/Denise_Karbon), [Marta Bassino](/source/Marta_Bassino) and [Dominik Paris](/source/Dominik_Paris), with the latter two also winning World Championship golds.

- [Cross-country skiing](/source/Cross-country_skiing_(sport)) (*sci di fondo* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is popular in northern Italy, with athletes, who have won medals at the Winter Olympics, of the likes of [Franco Nones](/source/Franco_Nones), [Maurilio De Zolt](/source/Maurilio_De_Zolt), [Stefania Belmondo](/source/Stefania_Belmondo), [Marco Albarello](/source/Marco_Albarello), [Giuseppe Pulie](/source/Giuseppe_Pulie), [Giorgio Vanzetta](/source/Giorgio_Vanzetta), [Silvio Fauner](/source/Silvio_Fauner), [Bice Vanzetta](/source/Bice_Vanzetta), [Manuela Di Centa](/source/Manuela_Di_Centa), [Gabriella Paruzzi](/source/Gabriella_Paruzzi), [Fulvio Valbusa](/source/Fulvio_Valbusa), [Fabio Maj](/source/Fabio_Maj), [Karin Moroder](/source/Karin_Moroder), [Pietro Piller Cottrer](/source/Pietro_Piller_Cottrer), [Cristian Zorzi](/source/Cristian_Zorzi), [Giorgio Di Centa](/source/Giorgio_Di_Centa), [Arianna Follis](/source/Arianna_Follis), [Antonella Confortola](/source/Antonella_Confortola), [Sabina Valbusa](/source/Sabina_Valbusa) and [Federico Pellegrino](/source/Federico_Pellegrino).[54]

- [Alpinism](/source/Alpinism) (*alpinismo* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is followed, because Italian alpinists wrote several pages of history in this sport. Italians [Achille Compagnoni](/source/Achille_Compagnoni) and [Lino Lacedelli](/source/Lino_Lacedelli) conquered [first the summit of K2](/source/1954_Italian_Karakoram_expedition_to_K2) (8611 m) in 1954, in the expedition led by the geologist [Ardito Desio](/source/Ardito_Desio). [Reinhold Messner](/source/Reinhold_Messner) was the first man in the world to reach the 14 summits, over 8,000 meters, and the first one to climb [Mount Everest](/source/Mount_Everest) alone and without oxygen. [Cesare Maestri](/source/Cesare_Maestri) conquered the [Cerro Torre](/source/Cerro_Torre) in [Patagonia](/source/Patagonia) in 1959. [Walter Bonatti](/source/Walter_Bonatti) is considered one of the best alpinists in Europe in 1950s, realizing some ascents considered impossible by the competitors.[55]

- [Figure skating](/source/Figure_skating) (*pattinaggio di figura* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is a popular sport and professional figure skaters often starring in events of exhibition. Notable Italian athlete in figure skating is [Carolina Kostner](/source/Carolina_Kostner).[56]

- [Bobsleigh](/source/Bobsleigh) (*bob* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is very followed, because Italian bobsledder [Eugenio Monti](/source/Eugenio_Monti) was the most successful athlete in the international history of this sport.[57]

- [Luge](/source/Luge) (*slittino* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is followed from its history, with [Paul Hildgartner](/source/Paul_Hildgartner) and [Gerda Weissensteiner](/source/Gerda_Weissensteiner) to the recent dominance of [Armin Zöggeler](/source/Armin_Z%C3%B6ggeler).[58]

### Bodybuilding

In Italy, [bodybuilding](/source/Bodybuilding) is at the 10th place in the ranking of most popular sports, even considering the high number of people who engage in [body building gym](/source/Gym), as amateur, just to keep fit themselves.[59]

### Combat sports

See also: [Italian school of swordsmanship](/source/Italian_school_of_swordsmanship), [Caestus](/source/Caestus), and [Greco-Roman wrestling](/source/Greco-Roman_wrestling)

[Primo Carnera](/source/Primo_Carnera), [boxer](/source/Boxing) and [wrestler](/source/Professional_wrestling).

[Edoardo Mangiarotti](/source/Edoardo_Mangiarotti), the world's most successful [fencer](/source/Fencing).[60]

Combat sports are participated and followed sports. There are many national and international events every year.

- [Fencing](/source/Fencing) (*scherma* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is a very successful sport and Italy is the most successful fencing country at the Olympics.[61] [Italy national fencing team](/source/Italy_national_fencing_team) represents [Italy](/source/Italy) in International fencing competitions such as [Olympic Games](/source/Olympic_Games) or [World Fencing Championships](/source/World_Fencing_Championships). The national Italian fencing team participated to all the [Summer Olympics](/source/Summer_Olympics) editions, from [Paris 1900](/source/1900_Summer_Olympics), 26 times on 28.[62] Noteworthy fencers are [Nedo Nadi](/source/Nedo_Nadi), [Giulio Gaudini](/source/Giulio_Gaudini), [Edoardo Mangiarotti](/source/Edoardo_Mangiarotti), [Giuseppe Delfino](/source/Giuseppe_Delfino), [Irene Camber](/source/Irene_Camber), [Mauro Numa](/source/Mauro_Numa), [Giovanna Trillini](/source/Giovanna_Trillini) and [Valentina Vezzali](/source/Valentina_Vezzali).[22]

- [Boxing](/source/Boxing) is a sport, that Italy ranks in at 4th all-time at the Olympics.[63] Notable Italian boxers are [Francesco Damiani](/source/Francesco_Damiani), [Primo Carnera](/source/Primo_Carnera), [Nino Benvenuti](/source/Nino_Benvenuti), [Bruno Arcari](/source/Bruno_Arcari_(boxer)), [Patrizio Oliva](/source/Patrizio_Oliva), [Duilio Loi](/source/Duilio_Loi), [Sandro Mazzinghi](/source/Alessandro_Mazzinghi) and [Roberto Cammarelle](/source/Roberto_Cammarelle).[22]

- [Kickboxing](/source/Kickboxing) is participated in Italy, both amateur and professionally. Notable Italian kickboxers are [Gery Bavetta](/source/Gery_Bavetta), [Alessandro Campagna](/source/Alessandro_Campagna_(kickboxer)), [Gabriele Casella](/source/Gabriele_Casella), [Mathias Gallo Cassarino](/source/Mathias_Gallo_Cassarino), [Roberto Cocco](/source/Roberto_Cocco), [Mustapha Haida](/source/Mustapha_Haida), [Gregorio Di Leo](/source/Gregorio_Di_Leo), [Armen Petrosyan](/source/Armen_Petrosyan_(kickboxer)), [Giorgio Petrosyan](/source/Giorgio_Petrosyan), [Alessandro Riguccini](/source/Alessandro_Riguccini), [Mara Romero Borella](/source/Mara_Romero_Borella), [Annalisa Bucci](/source/Annalisa_Bucci), [Silvia La Notte](/source/Silvia_La_Notte), [Gloria Peritore](/source/Gloria_Peritore), [Chantal Ughi](/source/Chantal_Ughi), [Jleana Valentino](/source/Jleana_Valentino), [Veronica Vernocchi](/source/Veronica_Vernocchi), [Martine Michieletto](/source/Martine_Michieletto) and [Chiara Vincis](/source/Chiara_Vincis).

- [Karate](/source/Karate) is participated in Italy, both amateur and professionally. Notable Italian karateka are [Luigi Busà](/source/Luigi_Bus%C3%A0), [Mattia Busato](/source/Mattia_Busato), [Angelo Crescenzo](/source/Angelo_Crescenzo), [Luca Maresca](/source/Luca_Maresca), [Simone Marino](/source/Simone_Marino), [Michele Martina](/source/Michele_Martina), [Carlo Pedersoli Jr.](/source/Carlo_Pedersoli_Jr.), [Pino Presti](/source/Pino_Presti), [Luca Valdesi](/source/Luca_Valdesi), [Luigi Zoia](/source/Luigi_Zoia), [Sara Battaglia](/source/Sara_Battaglia_(karateka)), [Viviana Bottaro](/source/Viviana_Bottaro), [Sara Cardin](/source/Sara_Cardin), [Carola Casale](/source/Carola_Casale), [Terryana D'Onofrio](/source/Terryana_D'Onofrio), [Michela Pezzetti](/source/Michela_Pezzetti) and [Silvia Semeraro](/source/Silvia_Semeraro).

- Italy ranks 8th all-time in [judo](/source/Judo) at the Olympics.[64] Notable Italian judoka winners of gold medals at the Olympics are [Ezio Gamba](/source/Ezio_Gamba), [Giuseppe Maddaloni](/source/Giuseppe_Maddaloni), [Fabio Basile](/source/Fabio_Basile) and [Giulia Quintavalle](/source/Giulia_Quintavalle).[65]

- Notable Italian athlete in [Greco-Roman wrestling](/source/Greco-Roman_wrestling) (*lotta greco-romana* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is [Vincenzo Maenza](/source/Vincenzo_Maenza).[22]

### Equestrian sports

See also: [Chariot racing](/source/Chariot_racing), [List of Italian flat horse races](/source/List_of_Italian_flat_horse_races), and [List of Italian jump horse races](/source/List_of_Italian_jump_horse_races)

The statue of *[Leonardo's horse](/source/Leonardo's_horse)*, which is located in front of the [Hippodrome of San Siro](/source/Hippodrome_of_San_Siro) in [Milan](/source/Milan)

Olympic disciplines, [horse racing](/source/Horse_racing) (*ippica* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)), [equestrian vaulting](/source/Equestrian_vaulting) (*volteggio a cavallo* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)), [polo](/source/Polo), and [rodeo](/source/Rodeo) are participated and followed sports. There are many national and international events every year. Notable Italian equestrian are [Gian Giorgio Trissino](/source/Gian_Giorgio_Trissino_(equestrian)), [Piero D'Inzeo](/source/Piero_D'Inzeo), [Raimondo D'Inzeo](/source/Raimondo_D'Inzeo), [Graziano Mancinelli](/source/Graziano_Mancinelli) and [Mauro Checcoli](/source/Mauro_Checcoli).[22]

[Hippodrome of San Siro](/source/Hippodrome_of_San_Siro) ([Italian](/source/Italian_language): *Ippodromo di San Siro*) is a [horse racing](/source/Horse_racing) venue in the city of [Milan](/source/Milan), which takes its name from the [neighborhood of the same name](/source/San_Siro%2C_Milan) in which it is located. Designed in 1913 to replace the then-used Trotter in Via Padova, the [Hippodrome](/source/Hippodrome) of San Siro was inaugurated on 25 July 1920, with its construction work being slowed down due to the [World War I](/source/World_War_I).[66] In 1999 a statue of *[Leonardo's horse](/source/Leonardo's_horse)* was placed in the square in front of the racecourse.[67] It is owned by Snaitech.[68]

[Capannelle Racecourse](/source/Capannelle_Racecourse) ([Italian](/source/Italian_language): *Ippodromo delle Capannelle*) is a [horse racing](/source/Horse_racing) venue in [Rome](/source/Rome). The course was constructed in 1881, and it was rebuilt in 1926 to a design by [Paolo Vietti-Violi](/source/Paolo_Vietti-Violi). It was recently the venue of two [Group 1](/source/Conditions_races) [flat races](/source/Flat_racing) – the [Premio Lydia Tesio](/source/Premio_Lydia_Tesio) (downgraded to Group 2 in 2019) and the [Premio Roma](/source/Premio_Roma) (downgraded to Group 2 in 2017). The track also stages the most valuable flat race in Italy, the [Derby Italiano](/source/Derby_Italiano), which was downgraded to Group 2 status in 2009.[69]

The [Pferderennplatz Meran](/source/Pferderennplatz_Meran) ([Italian](/source/Italian_language): *Ippodromo di Maia*) is an Italian racecourse, located in the town of [Meran](/source/Meran), [South Tyrol](/source/South_Tyrol), used for [thoroughbred horse racing](/source/Thoroughbred_horse_racing). It is one of the leading racecourses in Italy, hosting the annual *[Grosser Preis von Meran](/source/Grosser_Preis_von_Meran)* (Grand Prix of Meran). As Meran grew in importance as a [spa](/source/Spa) town due to the visits by [Empress Elisabeth of Austria](/source/Empress_Elisabeth_of_Austria) and the [aristocracy](/source/Aristocracy), the need to have organised horse races grew. In 1896, the first horse race took place and in 1900 a permanent racecourse established, which featured flat, [steeplechase](/source/Steeplechase_(horse_racing)), and trotting races.[70]

### Baseball

Main article: [Baseball in Italy](/source/Baseball_in_Italy)

[Italy](/source/Italy_national_baseball_team) vs. [South Africa](/source/South_Africa_national_baseball_team) during a [2020 Olympic](/source/2020_Olympic) qualifying event in [Parma](/source/Parma), Italy.

[Baseball](/source/Baseball) is a growing, minor sport in Italy.[71][72] Introduced to Italy by American servicemen during World War II, professional baseball leagues were not established until after the war. The [Italy national baseball team](/source/Italy_national_baseball_team) is traditionally ranked as the second best team in Europe, behind the [Dutch national team](/source/Netherlands_national_baseball_team).[73] Italy's performance during the Olympics has been consistently high for a European team, but is noted for its reliance on American and Latino players of Italian descent. The [highest level of play in Italy](/source/Italian_Baseball_League) today is considered to be on par with [Class A](/source/Class_A_(baseball)) ball in the United States.[74] The [Italian Baseball League](/source/Italian_Baseball_League) is the highest level of professional baseball in Italy.[75]

### Cricket

The [Italy national cricket team](/source/Italy_national_cricket_team) is the team that represents the country of Italy in international cricket matches. They have been an associate member of the [International Cricket Council](/source/International_Cricket_Council) since 1995, having previously been an affiliate member since 1984.[76] The team is administered by the [Federazione Cricket Italiana](/source/Federazione_Cricket_Italiana) (Italian Cricket Federation). They are currently ranked 28th in the world by the [ICC](/source/International_Cricket_Council), and are ranked fifth amongst European non-Test teams.[77] The Italy national cricket team has won several European Cricket tournaments, and the popularity of [cricket](/source/Cricket) is rising. All the Italian cricketers are home grown cricketers, and they had a well off position in the recent European Indoor Cricket Tournament and the [European Cricket Championship](/source/European_Cricket_Championship). They recently participated in the ICC [World Cricket League](/source/World_Cricket_League) Division 4. They have also recently qualified for the [Men's T20 world cup](/source/2026_Men's_T20_World_Cup) in 2026, the first time the team has ever qualified for any edition of the [cricket world cup](/source/Men's_T20_World_Cup).[78]

### Handball

The [Serie A](/source/Serie_A_(men's_handball)) is the name of the highest level [handball](/source/Team_handball) (*pallamano* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) league of [Italy](/source/Italy). [Pallamano Trieste](/source/Pallamano_Trieste) is the championship's most successful club with seventeen titles. The [Serie A1](/source/Serie_A1_(women's_handball)) is the premier division of the [Italian](/source/Italy) women's handball national league. Established in 1970, it is currently contested by 13 clubs.[79] [PF Cassano Magnago](/source/PF_Cassano_Magnago) is the championship's most successful club with eleven titles in a row between 1986 and 1996, while [Jomi Salerno](/source/PDO_Handball_Team_Salerno) has been the most successful team in the 21st century so far with seven titles between 2004 and 2019.

### Ice hockey

See also: [Ice hockey in Italy](/source/Ice_hockey_in_Italy)

[Euro Ice Hockey Challenge](/source/Euro_Ice_Hockey_Challenge) in 2015, [Italy](/source/Italy_men's_national_ice_hockey_team) vs. [Slovenia](/source/Slovenia_men's_national_ice_hockey_team)

[Ice hockey](/source/Ice_hockey) (*hockey su ghiaccio* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is popular mainly in the [Northern Italy](/source/Northern_Italy).[80] The [Italy men's national ice hockey team](/source/Italy_men's_national_ice_hockey_team) is the national ice hockey team of Italy, and is controlled by the [Federazione Italiana Sport del Ghiaccio](/source/Federazione_Italiana_Sport_del_Ghiaccio) (FISG), a member of the [International Ice Hockey Federation](/source/International_Ice_Hockey_Federation). Italy men's national ice hockey team ranks 17th in the [IIHF World Ranking](/source/IIHF_World_Ranking) (2022).[81]

[Italian Hockey League - Serie A](/source/Italian_Hockey_League_-_Serie_A), formerly known as *Serie A*, is the top tier of professional ice hockey in [Italy](/source/Italy), which first began play in 1925. They are conducted under the authority of the [Federazione Italiana Sport del Ghiaccio](/source/Federazione_Italiana_Sport_del_Ghiaccio) (FISG). The league initially merged with the [Inter-National League](/source/Inter-National_League) to become the [Alps Hockey League](/source/Alps_Hockey_League) in 2016.[82] Italian teams in the Alps Hockey League also compete in the Italian Hockey League - Serie A. The league was known as *Elite.A* during the 2013–14 season,[83] and as *Italian Hockey League - Elite* during the 2017-2018 season.[84]

### Futsal

The [Italy national futsal team](/source/Italy_national_futsal_team) represents [Italy](/source/Italy) in international [futsal](/source/Futsal) (*calcetto* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) competitions such as the [FIFA Futsal World Cup](/source/FIFA_Futsal_World_Cup) and the [European Championships](/source/UEFA_Futsal_Championship) and is controlled by the [Italian Football Federation](/source/Italian_Football_Federation). It is one of the strongest teams in [Europe](/source/Europe), champions in the [2003 UEFA Futsal Championship](/source/2003_UEFA_Futsal_Championship) and [UEFA Futsal Euro 2014](/source/UEFA_Futsal_Euro_2014).[85] The Italy national futsal team has appeared in the final match of the [FIFA Futsal World Cup](/source/FIFA_Futsal_World_Cup) once ([2004](/source/2004_FIFA_Futsal_World_Championship)) as well as two third/fourth place playoffs.[86]

### Motorsports

[Motorsports](/source/Motorsport) (*sport motoristici* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) in Italy have an important tradition and are very popular.[5]

Satellite photograph of the [Monza Circuit](/source/Monza_Circuit), which is located in the [Royal Villa of Monza](/source/Royal_Villa_of_Monza) park

- Well-known [racetracks](/source/Racetrack) include the [Monza](/source/Monza_Circuit) and [Imola](/source/Imola_Circuit) (dedicated to [Enzo Ferrari](/source/Enzo_Ferrari) and his eldest son [Dino](/source/Dino_Ferrari)), the [Mugello](/source/Mugello_Circuit) and [Misano Adriatico](/source/Misano_World_Circuit_Marco_Simoncelli) circuit (dedicated to the motorcycle driver [Marco Simoncelli](/source/Marco_Simoncelli)). The [Monza Circuit](/source/Monza_Circuit) ([Italian](/source/Italian_language): *Autodromo Nazionale di Monza*, [lit.](/source/Literal_translation) 'National Motor Racetrack of Monza') is a historic 5.793 km (3.600 mi) racetrack near the city of [Monza](/source/Monza), north of [Milan](/source/Milan). Built in 1922 in the [Royal Villa of Monza](/source/Royal_Villa_of_Monza) park in a woodland setting,[87] the site has three tracks – the 5.793 km (3.600 mi) [Grand Prix](/source/Grand_Prix_motor_racing) track,[88] the 2.405 km (1.494 mi) Junior track,[89] and a 4.250 km (2.641 mi) high speed oval track with steep bankings which was left unused for decades and had been decaying until it was restored in the 2010s.[90][91] The circuit's biggest event is the [Italian Grand Prix](/source/Italian_Grand_Prix). With the exception of the [1980](/source/1980_Italian_Grand_Prix) running, the race has been hosted there since [1949](/source/1949_Italian_Grand_Prix).[91] The Italian Grand Prix of [Formula One](/source/Formula_One) is the fifth oldest surviving Grand Prix, having been held since 1921.[92] It is also one of the two Grand Prix present in every championship since the first one in [1950](/source/1950_Formula_One_season).[93] In addition to Formula One, the circuit previously hosted the [1000 km Monza](/source/1000_km_Monza), an endurance sports car race held as part of the [World Sportscar Championship](/source/World_Sportscar_Championship) and the [Le Mans Series](/source/Le_Mans_Series). Monza also featured the unique [Race of Two Worlds](/source/Race_of_Two_Worlds) events, which attempted to run Formula One and [USAC National Championship](/source/USAC_National_Championship) cars against each other. The racetrack also previously held rounds of the [Grand Prix motorcycle racing](/source/Grand_Prix_motorcycle_racing) ([Italian motorcycle Grand Prix](/source/Italian_motorcycle_Grand_Prix)), [WTCC](/source/World_Touring_Car_Championship), [TCR International Series](/source/TCR_International_Series), [Superbike World Championship](/source/Superbike_World_Championship), [Formula Renault 3.5 Series](/source/Formula_Renault_3.5_Series) and [Auto GP](/source/Auto_GP). Monza currently hosts rounds of the [Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup](/source/Blancpain_GT_Series_Endurance_Cup), [International GT Open](/source/International_GT_Open) and [Euroformula Open Championship](/source/Euroformula_Open_Championship), as well as various local championships such as the [TCR Italian Series](/source/TCR_Italian_Series), [Italian GT Championship](/source/Italian_GT_Championship), [Porsche Carrera Cup](/source/Porsche_Carrera_Cup) Italia, [Italian F4 Championship](/source/Italian_F4_Championship), and the [Monza Rally Show](/source/Monza_Rally_Show).

[Scuderia Ferrari](/source/Scuderia_Ferrari) is the oldest surviving team in [Grand Prix](/source/Grand_Prix_motor_racing) racing,[10] having competed since 1948, and statistically the [most successful Formula One team in history](/source/List_of_Formula_One_Grand_Prix_winners_(constructors))

- In [auto racing](/source/Auto_racing) (*automobilismo* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) in Italy is extremely popular, from [Formula One](/source/Formula_One) to [endurance racing](/source/Endurance_racing_(motorsport)) to [rallies](/source/Rallying).[5] In speed, from the first races of the 20th century, [Fiat](/source/Fiat), [Alfa Romeo](/source/Alfa_Romeo), [Maserati](/source/Maserati) (the only Italian manufacturer to win the [Indianapolis 500](/source/Indianapolis_500) twice),[94] [Ferrari](/source/Scuderia_Ferrari), [Abarth](/source/Abarth) and [Lancia](/source/Lancia), have won in the most important races ([Targa Florio](/source/Targa_Florio), Rally of Italy, [Mille Miglia](/source/Mille_Miglia), [24 Hours of Le Mans](/source/24_Hours_of_Le_Mans), [Nürburgring 24 Hours](/source/N%C3%BCrburgring_24_Hours), [Carrera Panamericana](/source/Carrera_Panamericana)) and won world and continental titles in all categories. The Italian driver [Giuseppe Farina](/source/Giuseppe_Farina), in his [Alfa Romeo](/source/Alfa_Romeo_in_Formula_One), won the first [Formula One World Driver Championship](/source/List_of_Formula_One_World_Drivers'_Champions) in [1950](/source/1950_Formula_One_season). Italian [Scuderia Ferrari](/source/Scuderia_Ferrari) is the oldest surviving team in [Grand Prix](/source/Grand_Prix_motor_racing) racing,[10] having competed since 1948, and statistically the [most successful Formula One team in history](/source/List_of_Formula_One_Grand_Prix_winners_(constructors)).

- [Formula One](/source/Formula_One) team [Ferrari](/source/Scuderia_Ferrari) has had great success over the many years as they have competed in the sport since 1950, when the sport first started. They have won 16 constructors' championships and 15 drivers' championships. This team is also the most successful engine manufacturer in the sport as far as wins, fastest laps and podiums are concerned.[95] Their World Champions are [Alberto Ascari](/source/Alberto_Ascari), [Juan Manuel Fangio](/source/Juan_Manuel_Fangio), [Mike Hawthorn](/source/Mike_Hawthorn), [Phil Hill](/source/Phil_Hill), [John Surtees](/source/John_Surtees), [Niki Lauda](/source/Niki_Lauda), [Jody Scheckter](/source/Jody_Scheckter), [Michael Schumacher](/source/Michael_Schumacher) and [Kimi Räikkönen](/source/Kimi_R%C3%A4ikk%C3%B6nen). The other Italian team in F1, [Scuderia AlphaTauri](/source/Scuderia_AlphaTauri) have two wins in the sport.

- In road racing, the [Targa Florio](/source/Targa_Florio), the [Mille Miglia](/source/Mille_Miglia) and the [Coppa Acerbo](/source/Coppa_Acerbo) are among the oldest and most famous Italian races. In rallies, Lancia (with the [Fulvia HF](/source/Lancia_Fulvia), [Stratos](/source/Lancia_Stratos), [037](/source/Lancia_Rally_037) and [Delta](/source/Lancia_Delta)) and [Fiat](/source/Fiat) ([124 spyder](/source/Fiat_124), [131-Abarth](/source/Fiat_131)), boast numerous [world titles](/source/World_Rally_Championship), manufacturers and drivers ([Sandro Munari](/source/Sandro_Munari), [Miki Biasion](/source/Miki_Biasion), [Alessandro Fiorio](/source/Alessandro_Fiorio), [Alessandro Fassina](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alessandro_Fassina&action=edit&redlink=1)), and titles continental.

[Giacomo Agostini](/source/Giacomo_Agostini), the most successful motorcyclist in the history of the World Championship[96]

- In [motorcycling](/source/Motorcycling) (*motociclismo* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)), the great champions of the past, such as [Umberto Masetti](/source/Umberto_Masetti), [Carlo Ubbiali](/source/Carlo_Ubbiali), [Tarquinio Provini](/source/Tarquinio_Provini) and [Giacomo Agostini](/source/Giacomo_Agostini), the most successful rider in the history of the World Championship,[96] (15 times world champion in the 350 and 500 cc classes with 10 victories at the Tourist Trophy).

- They are followed by the champions of the present, [Max Biaggi](/source/Max_Biaggi), [Loris Capirossi](/source/Loris_Capirossi), and in particular [Valentino Rossi](/source/Valentino_Rossi), who has won 89 Grands Prix and 9 World Championships, being the only motorcycle racer to have won their world titles in 4 classes: one each in the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc, and six in the MotoGP.[97] The [Bianchi](/source/Bianchi_(company)), [Aprilia](/source/Aprilia_Racing), [Beta](/source/Beta_(motorcycle_manufacturer)), [Cagiva](/source/Cagiva), [Gilera](/source/Gilera), [Guzzi](/source/Moto_Guzzi), [MV Agusta](/source/MV_Agusta), [TM Racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=TM_Racing&action=edit&redlink=1), [Benelli](/source/Benelli_(motorcycles)) e [Ducati](/source/Ducati) brands have won the most prestigious races and won world championships in all categories.

- [Tony Cairoli](/source/Antonio_Cairoli) is the most titled Italian in Motocross, while in the women's category (WMX) [Kiara Fontanesi](/source/Kiara_Fontanesi) is the most titled in the world, with six championships won, four of which were in a row.

[Guido Cappellini](/source/Guido_Cappellini) has won more [world championships in powerboat Formula 1](/source/Formula_1_Powerboat_World_Championship) than anyone else in history[98]

- [Powerboating](/source/Powerboating) (*motonautica* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) has a long history linked to the Italian country. With the founding of the Italian Motorboat Federation in 1923, whose president was [Prince Ferdinando, Duke of Genoa](/source/Prince_Ferdinando%2C_Duke_of_Genoa_(1884%E2%80%931963)), this sport immediately attracted prominent personalities of the time with frequenters of the first major events including [Guglielmo Marconi](/source/Guglielmo_Marconi), [Benito Mussolini](/source/Benito_Mussolini) and [Gabriele D'Annunzio](/source/Gabriele_D'Annunzio). This sport in Italy has grown in particular from the 1970s onwards and counts [Angelo Moratti](/source/Angelo_Moratti) and subsequently [Massimo Moratti](/source/Massimo_Moratti) among the presidents of its federation. In 1929 the Pavia-Venice Raid was born, the longest powerboat race in the world at the time. In the 1930s, Gabbriele D'Annunzio offered the Oltranza Cup for the [Gardone Riviera](/source/Gardone_Riviera) races. The main centers of the Italian Power Force settled in the Lombardy area and in particular in [Como](/source/Como), [Milan](/source/Milan).[99]

- [Renato Molinari](/source/Renato_Molinari) is one of the greatest in Italian powerboating, a driver with exceptional skills, multiple [world champion in Formula 1](/source/Formula_1_Powerboat_World_Championship) and in many other international categories. More recently, [Guido Cappellini](/source/Guido_Cappellini) is a champion who, in the most important international class, Formula 1, has won more world championships than anyone else in history.[98] In modern powerboating, Alex Carella (four-time world champion) and Francesco Cantando race among the top ranks. In addition to the motorboat Formula 1, the [Aquabike World Championship](/source/Aquabike_World_Championship_(powerboating)) (jet ski) was held in the waters of [Piedmont](/source/Piedmont), [Lombardy](/source/Lombardy), [Apulia](/source/Apulia), and [Sardinia](/source/Sardinia).

### Golf

[Golf](/source/Golf) is played by over 90,000 registered players, as of 2021.[100] There are several male and female professional players, with notable current players including [Costantino Rocca](/source/Costantino_Rocca), the brothers [Edoardo](/source/Edoardo_Molinari), and [Francesco Molinari](/source/Francesco_Molinari), and [Matteo Manassero](/source/Matteo_Manassero). The most important tournament is the [Italian Open](/source/Italian_Open_(golf)). The Molinari brothers won the [World Cup of Golf](/source/World_Cup_(men's_golf)) in [2009](/source/2009_Omega_Mission_Hills_World_Cup). The Ryder Cup 2023 will also take place in Rome for the first time.

### American football

[Legnano Frogs](/source/Legnano_Frogs) celebrate victory after winning the XV [Italian Bowl](/source/Italian_Bowl) in 1995

[Italian Football League](/source/Italian_Football_League) (IFL) is the top level [American football](/source/American_football) (*football americano* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) league in [Italy](/source/Italy) established in 1980.[101] The annual final [play-off](/source/Playoff) game to determine the league champion is called the [Italian Bowl](/source/Italian_Bowl), that awards the title of "champion of Italy" and the *[scudetto](/source/Scudetto)*.[102] Italian teams that have won the [Eurobowl](/source/Eurobowl) have been [Legnano Frogs](/source/Legnano_Frogs) (1989) and [Bergamo Lions](/source/Bergamo_Lions) (2000, 2001 and 2002).

The [Italy national American football team](/source/Italy_national_American_football_team), nicknamed the *Blue Team* is the national American football team for Italy. They have been successful, having won the [European championship](/source/European_Championship_of_American_football) three times,[103] and been runner up three times. They won the 2021 IFAF European Championship, its third European title, having also won in 1983 and 1985.[104] The best result at the [IFAF World Championship](/source/IFAF_World_Championship) was 4th place at the [1999 IFAF World Championship](/source/1999_IFAF_World_Championship).[105]

### Gymnastics

[Vanessa Ferrari](/source/Vanessa_Ferrari) is one of Italy's most accomplished artistic gymnasts.

[Gymnastics](/source/Gymnastics) (*ginnastica* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) is a popular sport in Italy. On 17 March 1844, the Royal Gymnastics Society of [Turin](/source/Turin), the oldest sports club in Italy,[106] was established by the Swiss gymnast Rudolf Obermann, called to Italy by King [Charles Albert of Piedmont-Sardinia](/source/Charles_Albert_of_Piedmont-Sardinia). On 15 March 1869, the [Italian Gymnastics Federation](/source/Italian_Gymnastics_Federation) was founded in [Venice](/source/Venice), the first sports federation in the history of Italy.[107]

At the turn of the millennium, Italy showed a growing quality in the discipline, with [Susanna Marchesi](/source/Susanna_Marchesi) finishing 9th at the Individual All Around competition, as well as the team winning 6th place in the [2000 Summer Olympics](/source/2000_Summer_Olympics). Italy won the silver medal at the [2004 Summer Olympics](/source/2004_Summer_Olympics) and came in at 4th place at the [2008 Summer Olympics](/source/2008_Summer_Olympics). They also collected a string of medals throughout the 2005–2008 Olympic cycle.[108] At the 2009 Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship in [Mie](/source/Mie%2C_%C5%8Cita), Japan, the team soared to first place, winning the gold medal and becoming the new queens, a feat they achieved again at the 2010 Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship in Moscow. The celebration of Italian gymnastics is because they are among the best squads in the world, facing competitions against the Eastern European block of nations: [Belarus](/source/Belarus), Russia, and [Bulgaria](/source/Bulgaria). [Vanessa Ferrari](/source/Vanessa_Ferrari) was multiple world and European champion of artistic gymnastics.

### Rugby league

Main article: [Rugby league in Italy](/source/Rugby_league_in_Italy)

[Italy](/source/Italy_national_rugby_league_team) vs. [Scotland](/source/Scotland_national_rugby_league_team) at the [2013 Rugby League World Cup](/source/2013_Rugby_League_World_Cup)

[Rugby league](/source/Rugby_league) (*rugby a 13* in [Italian](/source/Italian_language)) was established prior to the 1950s, and the [Italy national rugby league team](/source/Italy_national_rugby_league_team) plays in various international competitions. The Italy national team were victorious in the [2013 Rugby League World Cup qualifying](/source/2013_Rugby_League_World_Cup_qualifying) tournament. They will therefore contest their first [Rugby League World Cup](/source/Rugby_League_World_Cup) in [2013](/source/2013_Rugby_League_World_Cup). Italy has also participated in the [2009 European Cup](/source/2009_European_Cup) and the [2000 Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament](/source/2000_Rugby_League_Emerging_Nations_Tournament).[109]

[Federazione Italiana Rugby League](/source/Federazione_Italiana_Rugby_League) (FIRL) is the governing body for rugby league in Italy and has "associate member" status with the [Rugby League European Federation](/source/Rugby_League_European_Federation). The [Italian Rugby League Championship](/source/Italian_Rugby_League_Championship) is an [amateur](/source/Amateur) rugby league competition called the r-Evolution League that began in 2010. There are three conferences, north, central and south.[110]

### Lacrosse

Although [lacrosse](/source/Lacrosse) tournaments and competitions have been held in Italy since 2002,[111] the first official edition of the championship dates back to the 2009-2010 season. The most successful team is the [Pellicani Bocconi](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pellicani_Bocconi&action=edit&redlink=1) of [Milan](/source/Milan). Lacrosse in Italy is governed by the [Italian Lacrosse Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Italian_Lacrosse_Federation&action=edit&redlink=1), which was founded in 2007. The [Italy national lacrosse team](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Italy_national_lacrosse_team&action=edit&redlink=1) has qualified for the [World Lacrosse Championship](/source/World_Lacrosse_Championship) six consequtive times (2006-2024). At the most recent event U20 Women's Lacrosse World Championship in Hong Kong, China, it finished 8th out of 20.

### Floorball

The Italian [Floorball](/source/Floorball) Championship is divided into two different leagues, *Campo Grande* ("great field"), which takes place in a field of 40 m (130 ft) x 20 m (66 ft), and *Campo Piccolo* ("small field"), which takes place in a field of 24 m (79 ft) x 16 m (52 ft). In the [2020 Men's World Floorball Championships](/source/2020_Men's_World_Floorball_Championships) the [Italy men's national floorball team](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Italy_men%27s_national_floorball_team&action=edit&redlink=1) did not pass the qualifications and did not pass to the final stage of the tournament. In 2022 it holds the 33rd position in the [IFF World Ranking](/source/IFF_World_Ranking).[112]

## Traditional sports

See also: [Tourism in Italy](/source/Tourism_in_Italy) and [Traditions of Italy](/source/Traditions_of_Italy)

[Palio di Siena](/source/Palio_di_Siena) attracts tourists from every continent.[113] The first edition took place in 1633.[114]

*[Calcio Fiorentino](/source/Calcio_Fiorentino)*, that originated during the [Middle Ages](/source/Middle_Ages).[115] This traditional sporting event attracts tourists from all over the world.[116]

[Saracen Joust](/source/Saracen_Joust) of [Arezzo](/source/Arezzo) is an ancient game of [chivalry](/source/Chivalry). It dates back to the [Middle Ages](/source/Middle_Ages). It attracts tourists from all over the world.[117]

Several traditional team [ball sports](/source/Ball_sports), called *sferistici* in [Italian language](/source/Italian_language), are played in [sphaeristerium](/source/Sphaeristerium), or *sferisterio* in Italian language, so also in open playing fields since 1555 and when Antonio Scaino from [Salò](/source/Sal%C3%B2) regulated [pallone col bracciale](/source/Pallone_col_bracciale).[118] There are many modalities of these sports: pallone col bracciale, pallapugno, pallapugno leggera, palla elastica, [palla](/source/Palla_(game)), and [tamburello](/source/Tamburello). Professional players compete in the national circuit of tournaments and international championships.

- The traditional sport of *[bocce](/source/Bocce)* is a popular sport and pastime. *Bocce* is a [ball sport](/source/Ball_sports) belonging to the [boules](/source/Boules) family. Developed into its present form in [Italy](/source/Italy), it is closely related to British [bowls](/source/Bowls) and French *[pétanque](/source/P%C3%A9tanque)*, with a common ancestry from ancient games played in the [Roman Empire](/source/Roman_Empire). Bocce is played around western, southern and southeastern [Europe](/source/Europe), as well as in overseas areas with historical [Italian immigrant](/source/Italian_diaspora) population, including [Australia](/source/Australia), [North America](/source/North_America), and [South America](/source/South_America), principally [Argentina](/source/Argentina) and the southern Brazilian state of [Rio Grande do Sul](/source/Rio_Grande_do_Sul). Initially played just by the Italian immigrants, the game has slowly become more popular with their descendants and more broadly.

- [Cue sports](/source/Cue_sports) are played on traditional [billiard table](/source/Billiard_table) in many forms: [five-pins](/source/Five-pins), [goriziana](/source/Goriziana) (nine pins), and [boccette](/source/Boccette). There are almost 6,000,000 amateur players and professional players who compete in national circuit of tournaments and international championships.[119]

- [Palio](/source/Palio) or annual athletic contest is followed very much, because every *[comune](/source/Comune)* celebrates ancient events in these competitions. The most famous in the world is [Palio di Siena](/source/Palio_di_Siena).[120] The first Palio di Siena took place in 1633.[114] Ten horses and riders, bareback and dressed in the appropriate colours, represent ten of the seventeen *[contrade](/source/Contrade_of_Siena)* of Siena, or city wards. The [Corteo Storico](/source/Corteo_Storico) of Siena, a [pageant](/source/Medieval_pageant) to the sound of the [March of the Palio](/source/March_of_the_Palio), precedes the race, which attracts visitors and spectators from around the world.

- The [Palio di Asti](/source/Palio_di_Asti) is a traditional [Italian](/source/Italy) festival of [medieval](/source/Medieval) origin that culminates with a bareback [horse](/source/Horse) race. The race has been run each year since the 13th century.[121] The earliest record, cited by Guglielmo Ventura,[122] dates from the third quarter of the 13th century. It has taken place every year, with the exception of a period in the 1870s and a 30 year interruption in the 20th century. Since 1988, the race has taken place in a triangular 'square' in the center of [Asti](/source/Asti), the *Piazza Alfieri*.

The horse race of the [Palio di Legnano](/source/Palio_di_Legnano). In 2003 the [medieval pageant](/source/Medieval_pageant) of the Palio di Legnano was shown at the [Columbus Day](/source/Columbus_Day) in [New York City](/source/New_York_City).[123]

- The [Palio di Legnano](/source/Palio_di_Legnano) is a traditional [Italian](/source/Italy) festival held in the City Of [Legnano](/source/Legnano), [Italy](/source/Italy), to recall the [Battle of Legnano](/source/Battle_of_Legnano) held on 29 May 1176 by the [Lombard League](/source/Lombard_League) and the [Holy Roman Empire](/source/Holy_Roman_Empire) of [Frederick Barbarossa](/source/Frederick_I%2C_Holy_Roman_Emperor).[124] This Palio is composed by a [medieval pageant](/source/Medieval_pageant) and a [horse race](/source/Horse_race). Legnano is subdivided into [eight *contrade*](/source/Contrade_of_Legnano), each of which takes part both in the medieval pageant and in the horse race held at the [stadio Giovanni Mari](/source/Stadio_Giovanni_Mari). This is considered one of the most important non-competitive events of this type in Italy. In 2003 the historic pageant was shown at the [Columbus Day](/source/Columbus_Day) in [New York City](/source/New_York_City).[123]

- The [Palio of Ferrara](/source/Palio_of_Ferrara) is a competition among the 8 neighborhoods (*contrade*) of the town of [Ferrara](/source/Ferrara), [Emilia-Romagna](/source/Emilia-Romagna), [Italy](/source/Italy). Four of these neighborhoods correspond to four wards located inside the medieval town fortifications. The remaining four correspond to external boroughs. After a long interruption the tradition was briefly reenacted in 1933, stopped again during [World War II](/source/World_War_II) and eventually restarted in 1967.[125][126][127][128]

- The [Palio di Parma](/source/Palio_di_Parma) is a festival that is held once a year in the northern Italian town of [Parma](/source/Parma), and traces back to the ancient "Scarlet Run"".[129] The origin of this festival can be reconducted to 1314[130] as reported by Giovanni Del Giudice in the *Chronicon Parmense*.[131] The festival was held every year on 15 August, from the 14th century to [Napoleon's arrival](/source/Italian_campaigns_of_the_French_Revolutionary_Wars) in the 19th century.[132] Starting from 1978 the competition was brought to a new life.[130]

- *[Calcio Fiorentino](/source/Calcio_Fiorentino)* (also referred to as calcio storico "historic football") is an early form of [football](/source/Football) ([soccer](/source/Soccer) and [rugby](/source/Rugby_football)) that originated during the [Middle Ages](/source/Middle_Ages) in [Italy](/source/Italy).[115] Once widely played, the sport is thought to have started in the *[Piazza Santa Croce](/source/Piazza_Santa_Croce)* in [Florence](/source/Florence). There it became known as the *giuoco del calcio fiorentino* ("Florentine kick game") or simply *calcio*, which is now also the name for [association football](/source/Association_football) in the [Italian language](/source/Italian_language). The game may have started as a revival of the Roman sport of [harpastum](/source/Harpastum). This traditional sporting event attracts tourists from all over the world.[116]

- [Saracen Joust](/source/Saracen_Joust) of [Arezzo](/source/Arezzo) is an ancient game of [chivalry](/source/Chivalry). It dates back to the [Middle Ages](/source/Middle_Ages). It was born as an exercise for military training. This tournament was regularly held in [Arezzo](/source/Arezzo) between the 16th century and the end of the 17th century, when memorable [jousts](/source/Jousting) in baroque style were organized. The joust – which became a typical tradition of Arezzo at the beginning of the 17th century – declined progressively during the 18th century and eventually disappeared, at least in its "noble" version. After a brief popular revival between the 18th and 19th century, the joust was interrupted after 1810 to reappear only in 1904 in the wake of the Middle Ages reappraisal operated by [Romanticism](/source/Romanticism). Finally, the joust was definitely restored in 1931 as a form of historical re-enactment set in the 14th century, and quickly acquired a competitive character. Saracen Joust attracts tourists from all over the world.[117]

- The [Giostra della Quintana](/source/Giostra_della_Quintana) was a historical [jousting](/source/Jousting) tournament in [Foligno](/source/Foligno), central Italy. It was revived as a modern festival in 1946.[133] The tournament event takes place in June (1st Challenge) during a Saturday night and September (the counter-challenge) the 2nd or 3rd Sunday of September, and is proceeded each time by a festival with a 17th-century costumed parade. The definition of Quintana comes from the 5th road of the [Roman military camps](/source/Roman_military_camp), where the soldiers were trained in [lance](/source/Lance) fighting.[133] This is the origin of the tournament's name, but the first definition and documented "Quintana" as a knights' jousting tournament during a festival, dates back to 1448. In 1613 the build-up to the Quintana tournament included the carnival festivals we see today. Giostra della Quintana attracts tourists from all over the world.[134]

## Italy at the Olympics

Main article: [Italy at the Olympics](/source/Italy_at_the_Olympics)

See also: [Italian National Olympic Committee](/source/Italian_National_Olympic_Committee)

[Giancarlo Peris](/source/Giancarlo_Peris) lighting the [1960 Summer Olympics](/source/1960_Summer_Olympics) flame under the [flag of Italy](/source/Flag_of_Italy) at [Stadio Olimpico](/source/Stadio_Olimpico) in [Rome](/source/Rome).

Historically, Italy has been successful in the [Olympic Games](/source/Olympic_Games), taking part from the [first Olympiad](/source/1896_Summer_Olympics) and in 47 Games out of 48, not having officially participated in the [1904 Summer Olympics](/source/1904_Summer_Olympics).[11]

Italy has hosted the Games on four occasions:

- [1956 Winter Olympics](/source/1956_Winter_Olympics) in [Cortina d'Ampezzo](/source/Cortina_d'Ampezzo).

- [1960 Summer Olympics](/source/1960_Summer_Olympics) in Rome.

- [2006 Winter Olympics](/source/2006_Winter_Olympics) in [Turin](/source/Turin).

- [2026 Winter Olympics](/source/2026_Winter_Olympics) in [Milan](/source/Milan) and [Cortina d'Ampezzo](/source/Cortina_d'Ampezzo).

As 2022, Italian athletes have a cache of 618 medals at [Summer Olympic Games](/source/Summer_Olympic_Games), and a cache of 141 medals at [Winter Olympic Games](/source/Winter_Olympic_Games). Italy has won a total of 259 gold medals which makes them the 6th most successful country in Olympic history, after the [USA](/source/United_States_of_America_at_the_Olympics), the [Soviet Union](/source/Soviet_Union_at_the_Olympics), [Germany](/source/Germany_at_the_Olympics), [Great Britain](/source/Great_Britain_at_the_Olympics) and [France](/source/France_at_the_Olympics). Italy has the sixth highest medal total of all time with 759. Italy has the third longest medaling streak after Sweden and Finland. Italy has medaled in 40 straight Olympic games, starting with the [1936 Summer Olympics](/source/1936_Summer_Olympics).

Italy had finished the Summer Olympic Games: 2nd in [1932](/source/Italy_at_the_1932_Summer_Olympics), 3rd in [1960](/source/Italy_at_the_1960_Summer_Olympics), 4th in [1936](/source/Italy_at_the_1936_Summer_Olympics), and 5th in [1924](/source/Italy_at_the_1924_Summer_Olympics), [1928](/source/Italy_at_the_1928_Summer_Olympics), [1948](/source/Italy_at_the_1948_Summer_Olympics), [1952](/source/Italy_at_the_1952_Summer_Olympics), [1956](/source/Italy_at_the_1956_Summer_Olympics), [1964](/source/Italy_at_the_1964_Summer_Olympics), [1980](/source/Italy_at_the_1980_Summer_Olympics) and [1984](/source/Italy_at_the_1984_Summer_Olympics). In the Winter Olympic Games, Italy has finished 4th in [1968](/source/Italy_at_the_1968_Winter_Olympics) and [1994](/source/Italy_at_the_1994_Winter_Olympics), and 6th in [1952](/source/Italy_at_the_1952_Winter_Olympics) and [1992](/source/Italy_at_the_1992_Winter_Olympics). Italy ranks 1st all-time in fencing, 2nd in cycling, 3rd in luge, 4th in boxing and shooting, 5th in alpine skiing, and 6th in bobsled, cross-country skiing and short track speed skating.

The [Italian National Olympic Committee](/source/Italian_National_Olympic_Committee) ([Italian](/source/Italian_language): *Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano, CONI*) was created in 1914 and recognized in 1915. Within Italy, CONI recognizes 44 national sports federations, 19 associate sports disciplines, 15 promotional sports organizations, and 19 organizations for the betterment of sports. In total 95,000 sports clubs with 11,000,000 members are recognized.[135] Its 2016 annual budget is 412,900,000 euros which is primarily funded by the [Italian government](/source/Italian_government).[136]

## Walk of Fame of Italian sport

Main article: [Walk of Fame of Italian sport](/source/Walk_of_Fame_of_Italian_sport)

The [Walk of Fame of Italian sport](/source/Walk_of_Fame_of_Italian_sport) is the [Walk of Fame](/source/Walk_of_Fame) of the Italian sport, inaugurated by [Italian National Olympic Committee](/source/Italian_National_Olympic_Committee) (CONI) on 7 May 2015.[137] It is a list of 125 Italian all-time champions, which has been implemented on five occasions (five new entries in 2015, 2016 and 2021, seven in 2018, three in 2019), from the initial 100 names.

The Walk of Fame of Italian sport is a road path in [Rome](/source/Rome) with plaques dedicated to former Italian sports athletes who have distinguished themselves internationally. It runs between the Avenue of the Olympics and the [Stadio Olimpico](/source/Stadio_Olimpico) in the [Olympic Park](/source/Olympic_Park) of the [Foro Italico](/source/Foro_Italico) of the capital.[138]

## See also

- [Italy portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Italy)
- [Sports portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Sports)

- [Borella](/source/Borella_(game)), a traditional, three pin bowling

- [Sport in Sicily](/source/Sport_in_Sicily)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Wilson, Bill (10 March 2014). ["BBC News – Italian football counts cost of stagnation"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26351331). Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 12 June 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Hamil, Sean; Chadwick, Simon (2010). *Managing football: an international perspective* (1st ed., dodr. ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann. p. 285. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-85617-544-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-85617-544-9).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Previous FIFA World Cups"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110125063612/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/index.html). FIFA.com. Archived from [the original](https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/index.html) on 25 January 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Le squadre più tifate al mondo: classifica e numero di fan"](https://www.sisal.it/scommesse-matchpoint/blog/fuori-campo/squadre-piu-tifate-al-mondo-classifica) (in Italian). Retrieved 4 January 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-sportface_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-sportface_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-sportface_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-sportface_5-3) ["Sport più seguiti: la (forse) sorprendente classifica mondiale"](https://www.sportface.it/altro/sport-piu-seguiti-la-forse-sorprendente-classifica-mondiale/1318754) (in Italian). 15 March 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Basket Eurolega, l'albo d'oro delle squadre più forti e titolate d'Europa"](https://williamhillnews.it/basket/basket-eurolega/) (in Italian). July 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Foot_2012_312_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Foot_2012_312_7-1) Foot, John (2012). *Pedalare! Pedalare!: a history of Italian cycling*. London: Bloomsbury. p. 312. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4088-2219-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4088-2219-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Hall, James (23 November 2012). ["Italy is best value skiing country, report finds"](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/9697128/Italy-is-best-value-skiing-country-report-finds.html). *The Daily Telegraph*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131003012827/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/9697128/Italy-is-best-value-skiing-country-report-finds.html) from the original on 3 October 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Il tennis è il quarto sport in Italia per numero di praticanti"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130927033216/http://www.federtennis.it/DettaglioNews.asp?IDNews=55672). Federazione Italiana Tennis. Archived from [the original](http://www.federtennis.it/DettaglioNews.asp?IDNews=55672) on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2013.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-targaflorio_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-targaflorio_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-targaflorio_10-2) ["Enzo Ferrari"](https://www.targaflorio.info/enzoferrari.htm) (in Italian). Retrieved 4 January 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Elio_Trifari_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Elio_Trifari_11-1) Elio Trifari. ["Che sorpresa: Italia presente a tutti i Giochi"](http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2008/novembre/28/Che_sorpresa_Italia_presente_tutti_ga_10_081128051.shtml) (in Italian). Retrieved 4 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Graduatoria degli sport più praticati in Italia"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120524230300/http://www.coni.it/fileadmin/user_upload/_temp_/mondo_sportivo/osservatori/documenti/M5-Lista_primi_25_Sport_in_word_12-05-04.pdf) (PDF) (in Italian). coni.it. Archived from [the original](http://www.coni.it/fileadmin/user_upload/_temp_/mondo_sportivo/osservatori/documenti/M5-Lista_primi_25_Sport_in_word_12-05-04.pdf) (PDF) on 24 May 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Riva,_the_Italian_roar_of_thunder_13-0)** ["Riva, the Italian roar of thunder"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150909012703/http://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=44569/profile.html). FIFA.com. Archived from [the original](https://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=44569/profile.html) on 9 September 2015. Retrieved 2 January 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Wilson, Bill (10 March 2014). ["BBC News – Italian football counts cost of stagnation"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26351331). Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 12 June 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Home page"](https://lagardere-se.com/). *Lagardère Sports and Entertainment*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Le "7 sorelle" dell'Italcalcio tornano a spendere all'estero - IlGiornale.it"](http://m.ilgiornale.it/news/2013/08/03/le-7-sorelle-dellitalcalcio-tornano-a-spendere-allestero/940727/). *m.ilgiornale.it*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Schiavinato, Simone (13 June 2018). ["Palla al centro: a history of Italy's love affair with soccer"](https://italoamericano.org/story/2018-6-13/soccer-italy-history). *italoamericano.org*. Retrieved 18 April 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Italian Sport Newspapers"](https://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/guide-to-global-soccer-blogs/country-blogs/the-influences-of-calcio-culture-in-italy/). *Soccer Politics / The Politics of Football*. 19 September 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_19-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_19-2) ["The Italy of Soccer"](http://www.italia.it/en/travel-ideas/culture-and-entertainment/italy-of-soccer.html). *Italian Tourism Official Website*. 23 March 2015. Retrieved 18 April 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_20-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_20-1) ["Top 5 Italian Football Stadiums"](https://www.idealista.it/en/news/lifestyle-italy/2018/12/19/2316-top-5-italian-football-stadiums). *idealista*. Retrieved 18 April 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-federnuoto_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-federnuoto_21-1) ["Chi Siamo"](https://www.federnuoto.it/home/federazione/la-federazione/chi-siamo.html) (in Italian). Retrieved 20 September 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CONI_22-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CONI_22-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-CONI_22-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-CONI_22-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-CONI_22-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-CONI_22-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-CONI_22-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-CONI_22-7) ["100 leggende CONI"](http://www.coni.it/images/CNA_100_Leggende_per_data_di_nascita.pdf) (PDF) (in Italian). CONI. Retrieved 1 September 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Dalla Pellegrini a Paltrinieri, i nuotatori italiani più iconici"](https://tg24.sky.it/sport/approfondimenti/nuotatori-italiani-famosi-#03) (in Italian). Retrieved 20 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Perché la nazionale di pallanuoto si chiama settebello"](https://www.linkiesta.it/2012/08/perche-la-nazionale-di-pallanuoto-si-chiama-settebello/) (in Italian). Retrieved 20 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Finali pallanuoto femminile: il Setterosa conquista il bronzo e la Spagna si prende l'oro"](https://www.rainews.it/articoli/2022/09/finali-pallanuoto-femminile-setterosa-conquista-il-bronzo-e-la-spagna-si-prende-loro-707fce5d-052d-4796-bc10-55e59bb0219e.html) (in Italian). Retrieved 20 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["List of champions"](http://sports123.com/wpo/mita.html). Retrieved 7 October 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-girofvg_27-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-girofvg_27-1) ["Barcolana nel Guinness dei Primati: la regata più grande del mondo"](https://www.girofvg.com/barcolana-nel-guinness-dei-primati-la-regata-piu-grande-del-mondo/) (in Italian). Retrieved 21 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["Barcolana, the largest regatta in the world is presented in London"](https://www.sail-world.com/news/218597/Barcolana-the-largest-regatta-in-the-world). Retrieved 7 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Barcolana 54, l'Albo d'Oro"](https://www.nauticareport.it/dettnews/report/barcolana_54_lalbo_doro-6-5512/) (in Italian). Retrieved 9 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["Genova vince la 67esima regata storica delle Repubbliche Marinare"](https://genova.repubblica.it/cronaca/2022/09/11/news/genova_vince_la_67esima_regata_storica_delle_repubbliche_marinare-365235590/) (in Italian). Retrieved 9 October 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:2_31-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:2_31-1) Federazione Italiana Nuoto (FIN) (9 June 2015). ["40 anni fa nasceva il Sincro in Italia"](https://www.federnuoto.it/home/sincro/news-sincro/4772-40-anni-fa-nasceva-il-sincro-in-italia.html) (in Italian). federnuoto.it. Retrieved 5 April 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Treccani_32-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Treccani_32-1) Camillo Cametti. ["Tuffi"](http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/tuffi_%28Enciclopedia-dello-Sport%29/) (in Italian). Treccani. Retrieved 24 April 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["FIBA.com – FIBA World Ranking for men"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070410195951/http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/even/rank/p/rankMen.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/even/rank/p/rankMen.html) on 10 April 2007. Retrieved 7 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["Basketball international results"](http://sports123.com/bsk/we.html). sports123.com. Retrieved 15 December 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["Mennea E Il Suo Record Sui 200 del 1979"](https://www.eurosport.it/atletica/mennea-e-il-suo-record-sui-200-del-1979_sto7455472/story.shtml) (in Italian). Retrieved 19 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** ["L'atletica italiana oggi, i migliori atleti"](https://www.lbmsport.it/migliori-sportivi-italiani-atletica-leggera/) (in Italian). Retrieved 20 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** ["Union Cycliste Internationale"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121114060844/http://www.uciprotour.com/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTcxNw&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=34028&LangId=1). Archived from [the original](http://www.uciprotour.com/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTcxNw&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=34028&LangId=1) on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Livestrong_Giro_Info_38-0)** Gregg Seltzer (26 May 2011). ["The History of the Giro d'Italia"](http://www.livestrong.com/article/344716-the-history-of-the-giro-ditalia/). Livestrong. Retrieved 30 July 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** ["2012 – 2013 UCI Road Calendar"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090217144300/http://www.uci.ch/templates/UCI/UCI2/layout.asp?MenuId=MTUyMjQ). Union Cycliste Internationale. Archived from [the original](http://www.uci.ch/templates/UCI/UCI2/layout.asp?MenuId=MTUyMjQ) on 17 February 2009. Retrieved 6 June 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** Nigel Wynn (2 November 2011). ["UCI WorldTour calendar 2012"](http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/530629/uci-worldtour-calendar-2012.html). *Cycling Weekly*. IPC Media Limited. Retrieved 6 August 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Storia_41-0)** ["Storia della Milano-Sanremo"](http://www.gazzetta.it/Speciali/GrandiClassiche/2005/St_milano-sanremo.html). *[La Gazzetta dello Sport](/source/La_Gazzetta_dello_Sport)* (in Italian). [RCS MediaGroup](/source/RCS_MediaGroup). Retrieved 17 March 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** ["Giro di Lombardia 2012"](http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-di-lombardia-2012/). *[cyclingnews.com](/source/Cyclingnews.com)*. 29 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** ["How popular is cycling in Italy? Trends, tourism, and Tuscan rides - Tuscany Bike Route"](https://tuscanybikeroute.com/how-popular-is-cycling-in-italy/). 15 November 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-44)** ["Magners League welcomes Italian teams"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100314040402/http://www.magnersleague.com/news/4855.php). Archived from [the original](http://www.magnersleague.com/news/4855.php) on 14 March 2010. Retrieved 8 March 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-45)** ["L'Italia del rugby non ha votato Pichot, ma la sua "regola" la renderà più forte"](https://www.ilgazzettino.it/sport/rugby/rugby_italia_agustin_pichot_stranieri-5293790.html) (in Italian). Retrieved 22 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-46)** Sabatini, Francesco; Coletti, Vittorio (2011). "Pallovale". *Il Sabatini Coletti - Dizionario della Lingua Italiana* (in Italian). Corriere della Sera. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-88-09-21007-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-88-09-21007-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Completerugby_47-0)** Bath, Richard (1997). *The Complete Book of Rugby*. Seven Oaks Ltd. p. 68. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-86200-013-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-86200-013-1).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Completerugby2_48-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Completerugby2_48-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Completerugby2_48-2) Bath, Richard (1997). *The Complete Book of Rugby*. Seven Oaks Ltd. p. 69. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-86200-013-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-86200-013-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-49)** ["Internazionali d'Italia di Tennis – Roma 2021"](https://www.faretennis.com/tornei/internazionali-italia-tennis) (in Italian). Retrieved 4 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-50)** ["COSA È IL BEACH TENNIS"](https://www.federtennis.it/Beach-tennis/Cosa-e-il-beach-tennis) (in Italian). Retrieved 23 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-51)** ["Errani-Vinci, colpo doppio - Ai quarti e in vetta alla classifica"](https://www.repubblica.it/sport/tennis/2012/09/02/news/errani_vinci_numero_1_in_doppio-41868549/) (in Italian). Retrieved 23 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-52)** ["Continental Cup Finals start in Africa"](https://www.fivb.com/en/about/news/continental-cup-finals-start-in-africa?id=94414). *[FIVB](/source/FIVB)*. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-53)** ["Sciare in Italia: tutte le novità sulle piste. Dalle Alpi agli Appennini"](https://viaggi.corriere.it/itinerari-e-luoghi/cards/comprensori-sciistici-in-italia-dove-sciare-alpi-appennini/) (in Italian). Retrieved 24 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-54)** ["Tutte le medaglie vinte dagli azzurri della FISI alle Olimpiadi invernali"](https://fisi.org/tutte-le-medaglie-vinte-dagli-azzurri-alle-olimpiadi-invernali/) (in Italian). Retrieved 24 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-55)** ["L'ultima grande impresa di Walter Bonatti"](https://www.ilpost.it/2020/02/22/walter-bonatti-nord-cervino/) (in Italian). Retrieved 24 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-56)** ["CAROLINA KOSTNER: "PECHINO 2022? CI STO PENSANDO. LORI NICHOL UNA MAESTRA SPIRITUALE""](https://www.eurosport.it/pattinaggio-di-figura/carolina-kostner-pechino-2022-ci-sto-pensando.-lori-nichol-una-maestra-spirituale_sto7738442/story.shtml) (in Italian). Retrieved 24 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-57)** ["La leggenda del Rosso Volante, storia di Eugenio Monti: vittorie e vero spirito olimpico dallo sci al bob"](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2021/08/08/la-leggenda-del-rosso-volante-storia-di-eugenio-monti-vittorie-e-vero-spirito-olimpico-dallo-sci-al-bob/6285920/) (in Italian). Retrieved 24 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-58)** ["Zöggeler sarà il portabandiera XXII olimpiade invernale 2014"](https://www.ladigetto.it/sport/sport-invernali/28463-zoggeler-sara-il-portabandiera-xxii-olimpiade-invernale-2014.html) (in Italian). Retrieved 24 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-59)** ["Bodybuilding a 60 anni: mantenersi in forma dopo gli "anta""](https://www.italianbody.it/alimentazione/bodybuilding-a-60-anni-mantenersi-in-forma-dopo-gli-anta.html) (in Italian). Retrieved 24 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-60)** ["Edoardo Mangiarotti: il re di spade"](https://azzurridigloria.com/storie/edoardo-mangiarotti-il-re-della-scherma/) (in Italian). Retrieved 24 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-61)** ["Gli atleti più vincenti della scherma Olimpica e la tradizione Italiana"](https://pulsee.it/viaggio-verso-tokyo2020-con-italia-team/gli-atleti-piu-vincenti-della-scherma-olimpica) (in Italian). Retrieved 24 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-62)** ["Italy Fencing"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120310131250/http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/countries/ITA/summer/FEN/). sports-reference.com. Archived from [the original](https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/countries/ITA/summer/FEN/) on 10 March 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-63)** ["Le donne salvano l'Italia del pugilato alle Olimpiadi di Tokyo"](https://www.agi.it/sport/news/2021-06-07/olimpiadi-tokyo-boxe-maschile-donne-salvano-azzurri-12825268/) (in Italian). Retrieved 26 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-64)** ["Judo & Olimpiadi: le medaglie azzurre delle passate edizioni"](https://kodokanjudobergamo.it/judo-olimpiadi-le-medaglie-azzurre-delle-passate-edizioni/) (in Italian). Retrieved 26 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-65)** ["Il judo alle Olimpiadi"](https://azzurridigloria.com/storie/judo-olimpiadi/) (in Italian). Retrieved 26 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-66)** ["IPPODROMO DI SAN SIRO: PATRIMONIO DELL'UMANITA': LA PROPOSTA"](https://chavaliernet.wordpress.com/2018/04/03/ippodromo-di-san-siro-patrimonio-dellumanita-la-proposta/) (in Italian). Retrieved 3 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-67)** ["IL CAVALLO DI LEONARDO"](https://www.ippodromisnai.it/cavallo-di-leonardo/) (in Italian). Retrieved 3 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-68)** ["Ippodromi SNAITECH | Snaitech"](https://snaitech.it/it/attivita/ippodromi-snaitech) (in Italian). Retrieved 26 April 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-69)** ["Calendario corse 2009"](https://www.unire.it/index.php/ita/News-Assi?article_id=2486&offset=160) (in Italian). Retrieved 27 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-70)** ["Hippodrome site with historical data"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140508030759/http://www.meranomaia.it/de/groser-preis-von-meran-forst/die-geschichte.asp) (in German). Archived from [the original](http://www.meranomaia.it/de/groser-preis-von-meran-forst/die-geschichte.asp) on 8 May 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-71)** ["The home of baseball - in Italy | DW | 28.10.2009"](https://www.dw.com/en/the-home-of-baseball-in-italy/a-4832086). *DW.COM*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-72)** ["Baseball fights to find a foothold in Italy's sports landscape"](https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/little-league/little-league-italy-1.4254065). *CBC*. 19 August 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-73)** ["WBSC Rankings"](http://wbsc.org/en/rankings).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-74)** ["Article pertinent an Italian professional baseballer"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070510021411/http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070507&content_id=1951261&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc). Archived from [the original](http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070507&content_id=1951261&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc) on 10 May 2007. Retrieved 7 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-75)** ["Inside Italy"](https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/worldclassic2006/news/story?id=2291227). *ESPN.com*. 13 January 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CAP_76-0)** ["Italy at CricketArchive"](http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Countries/62.html). Retrieved 7 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-77)** ["Il cricket in Italia e l'appello a Roma"](https://www.piuculture.it/2016/01/72135/) (in Italian). Retrieved 26 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-78)** ["Italy qualify for T20 World Cup for first time as Jersey miss out"](https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/c1lj7epvejzo). *BBC Sport*. 11 July 2025. Retrieved 5 September 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-79)** ["Pallamano: la A1 maschile sarà a 13 squadre"](https://www.video33.it/2021/07/12/pallamano-la-a1-maschile-sara-a-13-squadre/) (in Italian). Retrieved 7 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-80)** ["HOCKEY SU GHIACCIO: REGOLE BASE E DOVE GIOCARE IN ITALIA"](https://n360.it/hockey-su-ghiaccio-regole-base-e-dove-giocare-in-italia/) (in Italian). Retrieved 29 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-iihf2021_81-0)** ["IIHF – World Ranking"](https://www.iihf.com/en/worldranking). *iihf.com*. IIHF. Retrieved 20 October 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-82)** ["AHL offiziell vorgestellt - Einschreibefrist endet am 15. Juni"](http://www.sportnews.bz/de/eishockey/news-detail/news/ahl-offiziell-vorgestellt-einschreibefrist-endet-am-15-juni.html) (in German). 30 May 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-83)** ["Clubs of Elite.A gathered in Verona yesterday"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130713084135/http://www.hockeyghiaccio.net/index.php?action=dettnotizie&idnotizia=222) (in Italian). Elite.A. 2 August 2013. Archived from the original on 13 July 2013. Retrieved 23 August 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-84)** ["Le decisioni del Consiglio Federale: IHL – Serie A e Commissioni Campionati"](https://www.fisg.it/web/le-decisioni-del-consiglio-federale-ihl-serie-a-e-commissioni-campionati/) (in Italian). 15 September 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Europe_85-0)** ["European Futsal Championship Overview"](https://www.rsssf.org/tablesf/futsal-eur.html). *[RSSSF](/source/RSSSF)*. Retrieved 30 July 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-86)** ["FIFA Futsal World Cup Overview"](https://www.rsssf.org/tablesf/futsal-wc.html). *[RSSSF](/source/RSSSF)*. Retrieved 12 April 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-MonzaNet1922_87-0)** ["1922–1928: Construction and first races on the original tracks"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080611175248/http://www.monzanet.it/eng/storia_1922_28.aspx). *Autodromo Nazionale Monza*. MonzaNet.it. 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.monzanet.it/eng/storia_1922_28.aspx) on 11 June 2008. Retrieved 17 September 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-F1.comLap_88-0)** ["Formula 1 Gran Premio Santander D'Italia 2009 (Monza) – interactive circuit map"](http://www.formula1.com/races/in_detail/italy_818/). *Formula One Administration Ltd*. Formula1.com. 1999–2009. Retrieved 17 September 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-MonzaNetStats_89-0)** ["Autodromo Nazionale Monza – Areas & Structures"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080618011356/http://www.monzanet.it/eng/spazi_strutture.aspx). *Autodromo Nazionale Monza*. MonzaNet.it. 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.monzanet.it/eng/spazi_strutture.aspx) on 18 June 2008. Retrieved 17 September 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-90)** ["Monza Oval - History of the abandoned banking"](https://www.circuitsofthepast.com/monza-oval/). *Circuits of the past*. 27 August 2018. Retrieved 17 November 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-F1.comHistory_91-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-F1.comHistory_91-1) ["The hidden history of the Monza banking"](http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2005/8/3500.html). *Formula One Administration Ltd*. Formula1.com. 30 August 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20091002073754/http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2005/8/3500.html) from the original on 2 October 2009. Retrieved 17 September 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-92)** ["GP d'Italia: albo d'oro"](https://www.motori.it/curiosita/1757728/gp-ditalia-albo-doro.html) (in Italian). 3 September 2020. Retrieved 4 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-93)** ["F1 Record e statistiche GP Italia: la marea è più rossa che mai"](https://f1ingenerale.com/f1-record-e-statistiche-gp-italia-la-marea-e-piu-rossa-che-mai/) (in Italian). 27 August 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-94)** ["I trionfi di Maserati alla 500 Miglia di Indianapolis"](https://www.motorwebmuseum.it/luoghi/modena/i-trionfi-di-maserati-alla-500-miglia-di-indianapolis/) (in Italian). Retrieved 28 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-95)** ["F1 - Motori nella storia, Ferrari al comando ma non su tutti i fronti"](https://www.formulapassion.it/motorsport/formula-1/f1-motori-nella-storia-ferrari-al-comando-ma-non-su-tutti-i-fronti-136817.html) (in Italian). Retrieved 28 September 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-oasport_96-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-oasport_96-1) ["MotoGP, Piloti immortali: Giacomo Agostini, il più grande di tutti i tempi. Le vittorie e i record di un mito italiano"](https://www.oasport.it/2020/03/motogp-piloti-immortali-giacomo-agostini-il-piu-grande-di-tutti-i-tempi-le-vittorie-e-i-record-di-un-mito-italiano/) (in Italian). Retrieved 27 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-97)** ["Valentino Rossi dice addio: tutti i successi, nove volte campione in quattro classi diverse"](https://www.repubblica.it/sport/moto-gp/2021/08/05/news/valentino_rossi_nove_volte_campione_in_quattro_classi_diverse-313067691/) (in Italian). Retrieved 28 September 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-laprovinciadilecco_98-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-laprovinciadilecco_98-1) ["La scomparsa di Abbate Il ricordo di Cappellini"](https://www.laprovinciadilecco.it/stories/Sport/la-scomparsa-di-abbate-il-ricordo-di-cappellini_1349757_11/) (in Italian). Retrieved 30 November 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-99)** ["STORIA – Federazione Italiana Motonautica"](http://www.fimconi.it/storia/) (in Italian). Retrieved 30 November 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-100)** ["Quanti sono i tesserati di golf in Italia? Un numero destinato a salire"](https://www.golfpiu.it/quanti-sono-i-tesserati-di-golf-in-italia-un-numero-destinato-a-salire/) (in Italian). Retrieved 29 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-101)** ["Football americano, il Campionato italiano compie 40 anni!"](https://www.italianotizie24.it/football-americano-il-campionato-italiano-compie-40-anni/) (in Italian). Retrieved 29 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-102)** ["Francesco Pastorelli (PD): "I Guelfi Firenze campioni d'Italia di football americano""](https://www.comune.fi.it/comunicati-stampa/francesco-pastorelli-pd-i-guelfi-firenze-campioni-ditalia-di-football-americano) (in Italian). Retrieved 3 June 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-103)** ["L'Italia si prende anche il football americano: il Blue Team è campione d'Europa"](https://www.repubblica.it/sport/vari/2021/10/31/news/l_italia_si_prende_anche_il_football_americano_il_blue_team_e_campione_d_europa-324496173/). *la Repubblica* (in Italian). 31 October 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-104)** ["Defending European Champions, Team Italy, refuses to play Russia"](https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/defending-european-champions-team-italy-refuses-to-play-russia/). *American Football International*. 7 April 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1999championship_105-0)** ["STATISTICS"](https://web.archive.org/web/20020602213209/http://www.afworldcup99.com/classifiche/statistics.htm). Federazione Italiana American Football. Archived from [the original](http://www.afworldcup99.com/classifiche/statistics.htm) on 2 June 2002. Retrieved 21 October 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-106)** ["In mostra a Torino i 174 anni della Reale Società Ginnastica, il gruppo sportivo più antico d'Italia"](https://torino.repubblica.it/cronaca/2018/03/17/foto/da_amore_e_ginnastica_al_giorno_d_oggi_in_mostra_a_torino_i_174_anni_della_reale_societa_ginnastica-191522904/1/#1) (in Italian). Retrieved 30 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-107)** ["Storia della Federazione Ginnastica d'Italia"](https://www.federginnastica.it/la-federazione/la-storia.html) (in Italian). Retrieved 30 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-108)** ["100 MEDAGLIE IN 4 ANNI"](https://www.federginnastica.it/news/23-informative/19061-100-medaglie-in-4-anni.html) (in Italian). Retrieved 30 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-109)** ["RLEF"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140228130413/http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/606/womens-rugby-league-returns-to). Archived from [the original](http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/606/womens-rugby-league-returns-to) on 28 February 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-110)** ["Rugby League Federazione Italiana Rugby Football League ::: Rugby a 13"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121117033902/http://www.federleague.it/). Archived from [the original](http://federleague.it) on 17 November 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-111)** ["Brothers of Italy"](http://ifg.uniurb.it/static/lavori-fine-corso-2004/cairoli/html/Home_page.htm) (in Italian). Retrieved 7 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-112)** ["Rankings"](https://floorball.sport/iff-events/rankings/). Retrieved 9 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-113)** ["Siena: Palio e non solo"](https://siviaggia.it/idee-di-viaggio/siena-toscana/214412/#:~:text=Il%20Palio%20di%20Siena%20attira,prenotare%20tutto%20con%20molto%20anticipo.) (in Italian). Retrieved 4 April 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ilpalio_114-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ilpalio_114-1) ["The Palio Horse Race - All the victories at the Palio di Siena from 1633 to 1691"](http://www.ilpalio.org/vittorie1633-1691.html). Ilpalio.org. Retrieved 15 September 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Calcio_Fiorentino_115-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Calcio_Fiorentino_115-1) Artusi, Luciano; Gabbrielli, Silvano (1989). *Calcio storico fiorentino ieri e oggi* (in Italian). SP 44. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-8885559707](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-8885559707).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-firenze.repubblica_116-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-firenze.repubblica_116-1) ["Muscoli, sudore e sabbia, ora il calcio storico sbarca in diretta su Dazn"](https://firenze.repubblica.it/cronaca/2022/06/10/news/calcio_storico_fiorentino_storia_ripartenza_batistuta_trevisan-353185164/) (in Italian). Retrieved 2 October 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-arezzo.guidatoscana_117-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-arezzo.guidatoscana_117-1) ["Feste e manifestazioni ad Arezzo"](https://arezzo.guidatoscana.it/feste/feste-sagre.asp) (in Italian). Retrieved 2 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-118)** ["BRACCIALE"](http://www.fipap.it/discipline/pallone-col-bracciale.html) (in Italian). Retrieved 30 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-119)** ["SI APRE CON UN BRIVIDO IL MUNDIAL DEL BILIARDO"](https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1987/06/05/si-apre-con-un-brivido-il-mundial.html) (in Italian). Retrieved 30 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-120)** ["Il Palio di Siena"](https://www.ilpatriarca.it/it/blog/il-palio-di-siena-tutto-quello-che-ce-da-sapere-101) (in Italian). Retrieved 30 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-121)** Gentile, L. (1928). *Le antiche feste Patronali di San Secondo in Asti, Rievocazioni storiche* (in Italian). Scuola Tipografica Michelerio. p. 5.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-122)** Ventura, Guglielmo. "X". *Memoriale* (in Italian).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-legnano_123-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-legnano_123-1) ["Newsletter del Comune di Legnano"](http://www.legnano.org/news/10/25/549/) (in Italian). Retrieved 7 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-palio_124-0)** (in Italian) [Il Palio di Legnano](http://www.viaggiandoineuropa.it/news/1179-il-palio-di-legnano-09052012.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160324032219/http://www.viaggiandoineuropa.it/news/1179-il-palio-di-legnano-09052012.html) 24 March 2016 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-125)** ["Cavalli, asine, fantini e sbandieratori:a Ferrara il Palio più antico del mondo"](https://bologna.repubblica.it/cronaca/2013/05/27/foto/il_palio_di_ferrara-59723975/1/). *la Repubblica*. 27 May 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-126)** Tumiati, Gaetano (1994). ["Il Palio: fastosa imitazione"](https://web.archive.org/web/20201127195700/https://rivista.fondazionecarife.it/it/1994/item/487-il-palio-fastosa-imitazione). Archived from [the original](https://rivista.fondazionecarife.it/it/1994/item/487-il-palio-fastosa-imitazione) on 27 November 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-127)** De Vincentis, Stefania. ["Il Palio di Ferrara - MuseoFerrara"](http://www.museoferrara.it/view/s/c1e925d5df074bbd9e470ffb505ddbc3). *www.museoferrara.it*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-128)** Goldoni, Claudio Maria (2011). *Atlante estense - Mille anni nella storia d'Europa - Gli Estensi a Ferrara, Modena, Reggio, Garfagnana e Massa Carrara, Modena* (in Italian). Edizioni Artestampa. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-88-6462-005-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-88-6462-005-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-o_129-0)** ["Palio dello Scarlatto"](http://www.rievocare.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=313:palio-dello-scarlatto&catid=91:eventi-di-settembre&Itemid=621) (in Italian). Retrieved 9 October 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-l_130-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-l_130-1) ["Lo storico Palio dello Scarlatto"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120419193459/http://www.usmontebello.it/Lo_storico_Palio_Scarlatto.html) (in Italian). Archived from [the original](http://www.usmontebello.it/Lo_storico_Palio_Scarlatto.html) on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-cenni_131-0)** ["Cenni"](http://www.paliodiparma.it/cenni.htm) (in Italian). Retrieved 9 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-oo_132-0)** ["Cenni storici dello Scarlatto"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100823233402/http://www.portasanfrancesco.org/Il%20palio.htm) (in Italian). Archived from [the original](http://www.portasanfrancesco.org/Il%20palio.htm) on 23 August 2010. Retrieved 9 October 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-lavocedinewyork_133-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-lavocedinewyork_133-1) ["Una giostra al centro del mondo"](https://lavocedinewyork.com/arts/spettacolo/2013/10/15/una-giostra-al-centro-del-mondo/) (in Italian). Retrieved 10 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-134)** ["Boom di presenze"](https://www.quintana.it/2018/03/29/boom-di-presenze/) (in Italian). Retrieved 10 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-135)** ["CONI: Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano (in Italian)"](http://www.coni.it/index.php?id=46), *CONI*, 1 January 2009, retrieved 15 March 2009

1. **[^](#cite_ref-136)** ["CONI 2016 Annual Budget (in Italian)"](http://www.coni.it/images/documenti/coni/BUDGET_CONI_2016.pdf) (PDF), *CONI*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-DAYONE_137-0)** ["Inaugurata la Walk of Fame: 100 targhe per celebrare le leggende dello sport italiano"](http://www.coni.it/it/component/content/article.html?id=9832:inaugurata-la-walk-of-fame) (in Italian). CONI. Retrieved 1 September 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-138)** Piccioni, Valerio (7 May 2015). ["Walk of Fame al Foro Italico: parata di campioni azzurri"](https://www.gazzetta.it/Sport-Vari/07-05-2015/walk-of-fame-foro-italico-parata-campioni-azzurri-110721796152.shtml). *La Gazzetta dello Sport* (in Italian). Retrieved 1 September 2020.

## Further reading

- Martin, Simon. "Italian Sport and the Challenges of Its Recent Historiography", *Journal of Sport History* (2011) 38#2 pp 199–209; reviews works on history of football, the politicization of sports, and military sport

## External links

- [Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI)](http://www.coni.it)

- Media related to [Sports in Italy](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sports_in_Italy) at Wikimedia Commons

v t e Sports governing bodies in Italy (ITA) Summer Olympic sports Aquatic sports (diving, swimming, synchronized swimming, water polo) Archery Athletics Badminton Basketball Bocce Boxing Canoeing Cycling Equestrian Fencing Field Hockey Football Golf Gymnastics Handball Judo, karate, wrestling Modern pentathlon Rugby 7s Rowing Sailing Shooting sport Sporting clays Table tennis Taekwondo Tennis Triathlon Volleyball inc. beach Weightlifting Wrestling Winter Olympic sports Ice sports (curling, figure, speed, short track skating, ice hockey) Winter sports (alpine skiing, nordic skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, ski jumping, ski touring, snowboarding) Other IOC recognised sports Air sports Auto racing Bandy Baseball & softball Billiard sports Boules Bowling Bridge Chess Cricket Dance sport Floorball Korfball Lifesaving Motorcycle sport Mountaineering and Climbing Netball Orienteering Pelota vasca Polo Powerboating Racquetball Roller sports (in-line hockey, rink hockey, roller speed skating) Rugby union Sport climbing Squash Sumo Surfing Tug of war Underwater sports Water ski Wushu Paralympics and disabled sports Other sports Rugby league Italian National Olympic Committee Italian Paralympic Committee

v t e Sport in Italy Association football Athletics Baseball Rugby union Tennis Scudetto Italy at Olympics Paralympics World Games Team sport

v t e Italy articles History Overview Timeline of Italian history By topic Citizenship Currency and coinage Economy Fashion Flags Genetic Historic states Judaism LGBTQ Military Music Name Postage Railways Prehistory Prehistory Neolithic Villanovan Terramare Rinaldone Apennine Nuragic Golasecca Canegrate Latial Ancient Ancient peoples Italic peoples Latins Osci Picentes Samnites Umbri Veneti Etruscans Celts Magna Graecia Ligures Messapians Ancient Rome Kingdom Republic Roman conquest Roman Italy Empire Western Empire Middle Ages Middle Ages Italy under Odoacer Ostrogoths Byzantium Lombards Papal States the Holy Roman Empire the Sardinian Judicates Arabs Normans Guelphs and Ghibellines Lombard League Kingdom of Sicily War of the Sicilian Vespers Kingdom of Naples Early modern Italian city-states Florence Siena Milan Maritime republics Venice Genoa Pisa Amalfi Kingdom of Sardinia Grand Duchy of Tuscany Duchy of Savoy Renaissance Italian Wars Early Modern period Napoleonic Italy Austrian occupation and Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Late modern Unification First War of Independence Second War of Independence Niçard exodus Expedition of the Thousand Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy Third War of Independence Capture of Rome Monarchy and the World Wars Kingdom of Italy Colonial Empire World War I Fourth War of Independence Fascist Italy World War II Fall of the Fascist regime Resistance and Social Republic Civil War Contemporary Republic Institutional referendum Istrian–Dalmatian exodus Economic Boom Years of Lead Maxi Trial Mani pulite Coronavirus pandemic Geography Italian geographical region Peninsula Climate Climate change Geology Fauna Flora Mountains Prealps Alps Apennines Volcanism Volcanoes Beaches Canals Caves Earthquakes Islands Lakes Marine protected areas National parks Regional parks Rivers Valleys Politics Constitution Elections Foreign relations Government Human rights LGBT rights Judiciary Law Law enforcement Military Nationality Parliament Political parties President (List) Prime Minister (List) Council of Ministers Regions Provinces Metropolitan cities Cities Comune Municipalities Security and intelligence Economy Economy Italian regions by GDP Agriculture Automotive industry Banking Banks Central Bank Brands Companies Energy Exports Science and technology Southern question Stock exchange Taxation Telecommunications Tourism Trade unions Transport air rail road Welfare Wine Society Aristocracy Censorship Corruption Crime Demographics Education Emigration and diaspora Gambling Health Healthcare Immigration Inventions and discoveries Italians People Languages Italian Regional Life expectancy Orders, decorations, and medals Poverty Prostitution Public administration Racism Religion Social class Terrorism Water supply and sanitation Women Culture Duecento Trecento Quattrocento Cinquecento Seicento Settecento Ottocento Anthem Architecture Art Castles Cathedrals Cinema Coat of arm Cuisine Design Fashion Flag Folklore Gardens Internet Italophilia Libraries Literature Media Museums Music Mythology National symbols Palaces Philosophy Public holidays Sport Television Theatre Traditions World Heritage Sites Italy portal Category

v t e Sport in Europe Sovereign states Albania Andorra Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Kazakhstan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United Kingdom England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Vatican City States with limited recognition Abkhazia Kosovo Northern Cyprus South Ossetia Transnistria Dependencies and other entities Åland Faroe Islands Gibraltar Guernsey Isle of Man Jersey Svalbard Other entities European Union

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Sport in Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_in_Italy) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_in_Italy?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.