Italy is experiencing a resurgence in handball, highlighted by two significant World Cup victories, including a triumph over Tunisia and Algeria. The current team is reinvigorating the sport in a nation traditionally focused on football. Key players like Domenico Ebner and Leo Prantner have excelled, contributing to the team’s success. With a crucial match against Denmark approaching, there is optimism about Italy’s future in handball, as they aim to captivate fans and grow the sport nationally.
Italy’s Historic Handball Triumphs
Italy is making waves in the world of handball, marking a significant chapter in its national sports history with two remarkable victories in the World Cup. This resurgence in handball has even caught the attention of legendary goalkeeper Henning Fritz, who made a brief return to the sport with SSV Bozen last year.
A New Era for Italian Handball
Traditionally, Italy has been known as a football-loving nation, with other sports like volleyball and basketball also enjoying popularity. Handball, however, has often been overlooked. Until recently, Italy’s handball achievements were limited, with only one World Cup appearance back in 1995, nearly three decades ago.
The pinnacle of Italy’s handball success came on May 22, 1997, when they claimed their sole World Cup victory over Argentina with a score of 21:15. They also held Norway to a respectable 19:19 tie, finishing the tournament in 18th place out of 24 teams.
The current Italian handball squad is rewriting this narrative by already doubling their win rate from previous years. The excitement was palpable as fans sang the iconic Gianna Nannini hit, a nostalgia from the 1990 World Cup, during their exhilarating matches in Danish Herning. Italy kicked off their campaign with a stunning 32:25 victory against Tunisia, followed by a commanding 32:23 win over Algeria.
The ‘Dolce Vita’ atmosphere in Herning is alive and well, as Italy secures a spot in the main round, remaining unscathed by formidable contenders like Denmark, who they will face next.
On January 16, 2025, Italy will face Denmark in a highly anticipated showdown, which could also set the stage for a potential match against Germany later on. The excitement is building, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Key players like Bundesliga goalkeeper Domenico Ebner and right winger Leo Prantner have significantly contributed to Italy’s success. Ebner showcased his skills with a 50 percent save rate during the match against Algeria, while Prantner netted seven goals.
Reflecting on the tournament, Ebner expressed the enthusiasm surrounding the Italian team, stating, “The whole country is looking forward to this. Italian handball was on the ground, but so much has happened in the last eight years. We are experiencing a bit of Dolce Vita feeling here with our fans, and we celebrate with the guys like a family; it’s just so much fun.”
Henning Fritz shares this optimism, praising the team’s structural gameplay and acknowledging the significant progress they have made. “They have ignited a small fire in their sports-loving country and achieved an incredible amount. It is very nice to see that their game has developed further in recent years,” said Fritz. He emphasized that while the first two opponents may not have posed the toughest challenge, the victories were still commendable.
Looking ahead, Fritz believes the future of Italian handball hinges on their performance in the rest of the tournament. “In every sport that should attract fans, you need a strong national team. It’s about the development that must continue,” he remarked. He hopes the players maintain their composure and focus, advising them that even narrow defeats against top-tier teams like Denmark and Germany would still signify progress.
Ultimately, Fritz encourages the Italian squad to continue showcasing their skills and passion for the game, as this is the best way to promote handball in Italy. “They should just continue to play good and exciting handball; that is the best advertisement they can deliver,” he concluded.