Overview

• Bob Hanning, appointed as Italy's national handball coach in spring 2025, has guided the team to its first European Championship qualification in 27 years.
• Italy secured its spot in the 2026 European Championship despite a 24:28 loss in Serbia, qualifying as one of four third-placed teams.
• Hanning emphasized the team's significant tactical improvements, particularly in offensive defense and problem-solving during recent training camps.
• The coach described his role as a 'perfect symbiosis,' expressing confidence in Italy's potential to surprise at the tournament.
• The draw for the 2026 European Championship, to be held in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, 2025.