SPORT IN ITALY
Italy hides an extremely fascinating world of sports. The history of sports in this country goes back almost as far as the history of Italy itself. Italians compete successfully in many sports, being a strong force in both individual and team sports, achieving many spectacular successes.
The country’s most popular sports include soccer (played by 34% of Italian adults), swimming (29%), cycling (26%), tennis (20%), skiing (16%), volleyball (14%), basketball (13%), athletics (10%) and others.
SOCCER
Soccer in Italy is hugely popular and a key part of the sporting culture. The Italians boast a long history of success on the international stage, both at club and national team level. The national team has won four World Cup titles (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006), making it one of the most successful teams in World Cup history. Italy’s Serie A is one of the top soccer leagues in the world, with many renowned clubs such as Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and AS Roma. Soccer in Italy is gaining a great deal of interest and passion, with matches often drawing crowds of fans.
SWIMMING
Swimming in Italy is a sport of great interest at various levels – from amateur to professional. Italians have a rich history of success in both individual and team competitions. On the international stage, they particularly excel in competitions such as freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and classic. Swimming is also a popular form of recreation, especially in coastal areas, where pools and natural bodies of water become an ideal place to practice the sport. One of the most important figures in the sport is Federica Pellegrini, who won gold medals at the World Championships and became Olympic champion in the 200 meters.
TENNIS
Tennis is very popular in Italy, with a rich tradition and many achievements on the international stage. Italians have won numerous successes in both men’s and women’s competition. The most famous Italian tennis player is Fabio Fognini, who has won a number of ATP titles and has been one of the top players in the world. Prominent among the women are Francesca Schiavone, the 2010 Roland Garros winner, and Flavia Pennetta, the 2015 US Open winner. Italy’s tennis infrastructure is well-developed, with many clubs and training centers that support young talented players.
CYCLING
Cycling in Italy is a sport with a rich tradition that dates back to the first half of the 20th century. The culture of cycling is deeply embedded in Italian society, and the sport itself is extremely popular throughout the country, both among professionals and amateurs. Italian cyclists have been at the forefront of road racing for years.
Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali are two great contenders who not only triumphed in the Giro d’Italia, but also won the Tour de France. Italy is a country where cycling permeates all aspects of life – from professional competitions to daily bike rides.
VOLLEYBALL
Volleyball in Italy is one of the most popular sports, both in amateur and professional versions. The country has a rich tradition in the sport, achieving much success on the international stage. The national team won the world title in 1990 and numerous medals at the Olympic Games and European Championships. The Italian league (Serie A) is considered one of the best volleyball leagues in the world, with many renowned clubs such as Sir Safety Perugia, Lube Civitanova and Trentino Volley. Volleyball attracts huge interest, with matches drawing crowds of fans.
BASKETBALL
Basketball in Italy is extremely popular, both in professional and amateur competition. The Italian basketball league (Lega Basket Serie A) is regarded as one of the top leagues in Europe, with many powerful teams such as Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna. There are also well-known figures in the history of Italian basketball, such as Dino Meneghin and Marco Belinelli, who won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. In addition, many Italian cities have strong youth teams, which encourages the discovery and development of new talent.
SKIING
Skiing in Italy is one of the most popular winter sports, and the country is noted for its excellent conditions for alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Italians have enjoyed a great deal of success on the international stage, and among the world’s most prominent alpine skiers are names such as Alberto Tomba and Federica Brignone. Skiing is of great interest to both professionals and amateurs, and Italy is one of the key countries in winter sports, hosting World Cup competitions and other international events.
ATHLETICS
Italian athletics has a long and rich history, achieving much success on the international stage. Italians regularly win medals at world championships, European championships and the Olympic Games. Among the most successful Italian athletes are Pietro Mennea, who set a world record in the 200 meters, and Valentina Vezzali, an Olympic gold medalist in fencing. Italian athletics also excels in long-distance running, long jump, hammer throw and sprinting. Italy hosts many prestigious competitions, including the Miting di Roma, which is part of the Diamond League series.
MARTIAL ARTS
Martial arts are extremely popular in Italy and have a rich history. Italians are successful in a variety of disciplines, such as boxing, kickboxing, judo, karate and taekwondo. Some of the best-known athletes include Nino Benvenuti, Luciano Sorrentino and Guido Muggiani. Italy also boasts a strong sambo and wrestling scene, and traditions of ancient martial arts such as calcio storico
(a traditional Italian version of soccer with fighting elements) are an integral part of the national heritage.
MOTORSPORT
Motorsport in Italy has a rich and long-standing tradition. This is a country where the love of speed and motoring is extremely strong. Italy is home to legendary brands such as Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini and Maserati, as well as famous race tracks such as Monza and Mugello.
Italians have achieved, and continue to achieve, significant success in Formula One (with the Scuderia Ferrari team, for example) and in MotoGP (with riders such as Valentino Rossi). Motorsports in this country are not only popular, but are also an important part of national identity and pride.
SUMMARY
Sports are an important part of Italian life and culture.
It is not only a form of entertainment, but also a source of national pride.
Soccer dominates, but other sports are also popular.
Italians enjoy cheering, playing sports and achieving international success.
Sports unite people and play an important role in national identity.