Italy — Handball

Handball in Italy has traditionally been overshadowed by football, basketball, and volleyball, but the sport has been growing in recent years. The Serie A features 44 clubs across 5 competitions.

Italy's handball scene is concentrated in certain regions, particularly in the south, and the federation has been working to expand the sport's reach and improve the national team's competitiveness in European and World Championship qualifiers.

Handball arrived relatively late in Italy compared to other European nations. The Italian Handball Federation (FIGH) was founded in 1969, and the sport has since developed a steady domestic competition structure.

While Italy has not been a major force in international handball, the domestic league has grown, and Italian clubs have participated in European cup competitions. The national team has been improving, with qualification for major tournaments becoming an increasingly realistic target.

The Italian Handball Federation (Federazione Italiana Giuoco Handball, FIGH) is the governing body for handball in Italy. Founded in 1969, it is a member of the EHF and IHF, overseeing domestic competitions and national team development.

The Serie A Beretta is the top division of men's handball in Italy. The Coppa Italia provides knockout cup competition. The league features clubs from across the country, with particular strength in the southern regions and in cities like Bolzano and Conversano.

Italy's national handball team has been a developing force in European handball. While the team has not historically been among the elite, Italy has made progress in World and European Championship qualifiers, and Italian clubs have gained experience through participation in European cup competitions.