Italy has finally ended its 28-year drought from the IHF Men’s World Championship by putting up a thrilling performance in the European Qualification – Phase 2 – Part 2, as they took down Montenegro with an impressive 66:58 aggregate win.
Starting from the Qualification Europe Phase 1, Italy engineered a remarkable comeback against Türkiye, after suffering a 28:37 loss in the first leg, and then bouncing back with a 37:27 win to advance, taking a narrow 65:64 aggregate win and setting up a clash against Belgium in the Qualification Europe Phase 2 – Part 1. Italy then dominated Belgium with two consecutive victories, recording a 62:56 aggregate win to book a spot in the Qualification Europe Phase 2 – Part 2 against Montenegro.
In the highly anticipated showdown against Montenegro, Italy once again emerged triumphant, securing a 66:58 aggregate win to return to the prestigious IHF Men’s World Championship for the first time since 1997. The European side boasts a promising blend of seasoned veterans and young talent, including star players like goalkeeper Domenico Ebner, who currently plies his trade at SC DHfK Leipzig in the highly competitive German Bundesliga, and Andrea Parisini, who suits up for PAUC Handball in the French league.
“Our team’s success was due in large part to the exceptional cohesion and camaraderie among the players, as well as the invaluable contributions of our younger players who stepped up in key moments,” noted Andrea Parisini, one of Italy’s most experienced players. “The fact that we genuinely played for each other, both on and off the court, was what made the real difference, especially during the tough periods of the competition.”
However, Italy’s fairy tale may face its sternest test yet as they navigate Group B of the preliminary round, set to take place at the iconic Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, Denmark. The Azzurri will face an uphill battle against a red-hot Denmark side riding an astonishing 28-match unbeaten streak in the IHF Men’s World Championship, as well as two battle-hardened African teams, Tunisia and Algeria, both boasting significantly more experience in the competition than the Italians.
Despite these daunting challenges, Riccardo Trillini’s team remains resolute in their pursuit of making a statement in the tournament, vowing to deliver some captivating performances reminiscent of their thrilling victories over Türkiye, Belgium, and Montenegro. “I sincerely hope that our outstanding performance will help highlight the beauty of handball and cultivate a greater following in Italy, a country where the sport is in dire need of promotion,” observed Parisini.
**Key players:** Andrea Parisini (line player), Thomas Bortoli (right back), Domenico Ebner (goalkeeper)
**Qualification:** European Qualification – phase 2 (66:58 on aggregate against Montenegro)
**History in the competition:** 1997: 18th
**Group at CRO/DEN/NOR 2025:** Group B (Denmark, Italy, Algeria, Tunisia)