Italy (ITA)

Italy have qualified for an EHF EURO on sporting merit for the first time. It will be their second appearance at the tournament, having hosted in 1998. After Riccardo Trillini led Italy to its first World Championship in 28 years, finishing 16th, the federation decided to make a change on the sidelines. Bob Hanning took over and completed the job in the remaining qualification matches this year. 

The team made headlines during the EHF EURO 2026 Qualifiers, matching Serbia and Spain throughout all four matches and even beating Serbia at home, two crucial points in order to reach the final tournament. 

Hanning can rely on players who have proven their quality in top international leagues, such as Simone Mengon, Domenico Ebner, Leo Prantner, and Mikael Helmersson in Germany, as well as the likes of Thomas Bortoli, Andrea Parisini, and Jeremi Pirani in France. 

Italy like to play an offensive and aggressive defence, always trying to stress their opponent’s attack. In offence, Italy often play with four back-court players, relying on their one-one-one strength, but can also switch to players who prefer to shoot from distance. 

The German coach has set ambitious goals for his team, wanting to force a mindset change within the Federation. That is why Italy, even though they are much more inexperienced at this tournament than their counterparts in group F, will not be an easy team to beat. 

At the World Championships in 2025, Italy became everybody’s darling, inspiring fans with their handball style and leaving their hearts on the court in every minute of the matches. Replicating last year's flow will be crucial to achieving their first-ever qualification to the main round of an EHF EURO. 

Competition records:
Number of EHF EURO participations, including 2026: 2