Page 76 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

74  INTRODUCING IT AL Y

The Sporting Year

Football is by far the most important sport in Italy,
uniting the country when the national team (Azzurri)
plays. A range of other sporting events, including
cycling, skiing and tennis, also take place throughout
the year, so fans are never at a loss for something to
watch. For most big matches or tournaments, tickets can
be obtained for cash at club outlets such as the venue
itself. Agencies provide hard-to-get tickets at often
higher prices. Beware of the inevitable touts at popular
events, as their expensive tickets may not be valid. Calcio Fiorentino, one of
Italy’s few indigenous sports,
is said to be the medieval
precursor of modern football.
Coppa Italia football final

Memorial d’Aloia
rowing competition,
held in Umbria
The Giro d’Italia
The professional water polo cycling race takes
season takes place from March place over many
through to July. The Canottieri stages. The Italian
Napoli team play consistently well Vincenzo Nibali
through the championship. (left) won the
race in 2013.

January February March April May June July

Indoor Athletics International
Championships Showjumping,
Rome
Rome Marathon

The Rome Masters, previously
known as the Italian Open,
takes place in Rome during
May. The event is one of the
most prestigious clay court The Italian leg of
tennis competitions in the world. the Circuito Mondiale
in Mugello. Valentino
Rossi has dominated
the MotoGP World
Championship for
over a decade.
Rugby is becoming increasingly
popular. Italy takes part in the
Six Nations Championship in
February and March, along
with England, Scotland, Wales,
Ireland and France.

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