Italy vs Kosovo

The match kicked off at 19:00 local time (18:00 UTC) with Italy — appearing at their home Mediterranean Games — installed as clear favourites. Kosovo, making their debut in the handball competition at these Games, were already depleted before a ball was thrown. The Kosovo Handball Federation (FHK) confirmed that most of the national A-team's senior players were unavailable due to club commitments, leaving head coach Jesper Östlund to field a squad drawn largely from younger and less experienced ranks.

Italy capitalised from the outset. Although period-by-period scores were not recorded in the official data feed, the final tally of 39–23 tells a story of sustained offensive pressure. Italy's 39 goals were the highest single-match total across the entire men's competition on 23 August — one more than Egypt's 38 against Portugal in the other Group A fixture.

Kosovo stuck with the hosts through the early stages of the match but were unable to contain Italy's attacking rhythm as the game progressed. The Italian side, with home crowd support in Fasano, grew in confidence and stretched the lead steadily through the second half.

With no detailed timeline of goals available, the defining factor was pre-match: Kosovo's squad composition. Missing key experienced players, Kosovo struggled to match Italy's physicality and tactical organisation. By the midway stage, the deficit had grown beyond reach, and Italy were able to rotate their squad and maintain a high scoring rate through to the final whistle.

No official player-of-the-match or individual statistics were released from the venue. Italy's collective attacking output — 39 goals from what appeared to be a rotated squad — suggests strong contributions across the roster. For Kosovo, goalkeeper saves and a spirited opening phase kept the deficit respectable in the early stages, but no individual standout could stem the Italian tide.

Italy's 39 goals — nearly double Kosovo's 23 — reflect a match that was one-sided from the build-up through to execution. Across all four matches on the men's opening day, the average winning margin was 9.5 goals; Italy's 16-goal victory was the most emphatic. Italy also outscored their fellow Group A winner, Egypt (38–27 over Portugal), suggesting that the hosts' attack will be a serious threat in the knockout rounds.

For context, Italy had beaten Kosovo 28–25 in their only previous meeting — a friendly in 2025. The 39–23 result represents a significant step up in output, even accounting for Kosovo's absentees.

Italy sit level on two points with Egypt at the top of Group A after both sides won their opening matches. The top two in each four-team group advance to the semi-finals on 31 August at the Palazzeto dello Sport. Portugal and Kosovo, both on zero points, face an uphill climb.

Italy's next match is against Portugal. Kosovo face Egypt — a must-win if they are to stay in semi-final contention.

Italy delivered exactly what was expected of a host nation with superior resources against an under-strength opponent. The 39–23 scoreline is a statement of intent, but tougher tests await — Portugal and especially Egypt will provide a much clearer measure of Italy's medal credentials. For Kosovo, simply competing with a depleted squad represents a step forward, but they will need their senior players available in future editions to close the gap.