As a travel destination Italy is one of the most popular in the world. It may be famous for its culture, architecture, fast cars and food, but Italy is also a big favourite for sports fans.
The European nation has a thriving sports industry with major events held throughout the year. Events to look forward to in Italy in 2020 include the Rome Marathon, Giro D’Italia cycling race and of course the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.
Also this year, football’s European Championship kicks off with the opening match between Italy and Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Here we look at the top sporting events in Italy in 2020…
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Italy sports events in 2020
Rome Marathon
When: 29 March 2020
Website: maratonadiroma.it
About the event: the Rome marathon combines athletics and sightseeing in Italy’s capital. Athletes run 26.2 miles in the footsteps of Roman emperors and gladiators, zig-zagging across some of the most important historical sites in the city.
BIKE Festival Garda Trentino
When: 1-3 May 2020
Where: Riva del Garda (Trentino)
Website: gardatrentino.it
About the event: The mountain bike season starts at the BIKE Festival Garda Trentino in Riva del Garda. More than 45,000 visitors and 3,000 participants are expected on this weekend. The program covers exhibitions, shows, competitions and performances.
Giro D’Italia – Tour of Italy
When: 9-31 May 2020
Website: giroditalia.it
About the event: the most important cycling event in Italy, the Giro d’Italia, dates back to May 1909. Over time it has become one of the most iconic races in the world. This year the Giro will start on 9 May in Budapest, Hungary, and will end in Milan on 31 May.
Internazionali BNL d’Italia (Italian Open tennis)
When: 10-17 May
Where: Foro Italico, Rome
Website: internazionalibnlditalia.com
About the event: the tournament is one of the three ATP Masters 1000 events contested on clay. It’s seen as the final major warm-up event before the French Open grand slam.
Mille Miglia
When: 13-16 May 2020
Where: Brescia to Rome to Brescia
Website: 1000miglia.eu
About the event: the Mille Miglia is a unique event that attracts thousands of car lovers from all over the world. Over the past few decades, this race has brought vintage cars, traditions and emotions along a non-stop itinerary from Brescia to Rome and back. This year the cars will leave Brescia on 13 May and they will arrive in Rome on 14 May. They will then head back to Brescia on 16 May, where the award ceremony will follow after the arrival.
Mugello Motorbike Grand Prix
When: 29 May 2020
Where: Scarperia, Autodromo del Mugello
Website: mugellocircuit.it
About the event: the adrenaline-filled grand prix at the Mugello race circuit is one of the most important motorbike competitions in the world.
Euro 2020: Turkey vs. Italy
When: 12 June
Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Website: uefa.com
About the event: football’s European Championship is held in 12 different locations this year. The tournament kicks off in Rome with Turkey taking on Italy in group A.
Euro 2020: Italy v Switzerland
When: 17 June
Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Website: uefa.com
About the event: Italy’s second group A match is against the Swiss at the 68,000-capacity Stadio Olimpico.
Euro 2020: Italy vs. Wales
When: 21 June
Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Website: uefa.com
About the event: the Italians finish their Euro 2020 group A fixtures with a clash against the Welsh in the capital city.
Euro 2020 quarter-final
When: 4 July
Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Website: uefa.com
About the event: the fourth Euro 2020 quarter-final takes place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Palio Del Golfo
When: 2 August 2020
Where: La Spezia, Liguria
Website: paliodelgolfo.it
About the event: the 13 hamlets of the gulf compete to win the Palio aboard handmade boats built by local craftsmen, with special characteristics that make them agile and fast. The competition is preceded by parades, events, shows and meetings, which liven up the entire town for days. It finishes late in the evening on the first Sunday of August with fireworks displays.
2020 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix
When: 4-6 September 2020
Where: Monza
Website: formula1.com and monzanet.it
About the event: the Italian Grand Prix is one of the biggest events on the Formula 1 calendar. Thousands of Ferrari fans will be willing on the team’s drivers in their home race at the Monza circuit – the “temple of speed”.
Barcolana – Sail Race
When: 2-11 October 2020
Where: Trieste
Website: barcolana.it
About the event: the Barcolana is a one-of-a-kind event, with expert sailors and sailing lovers racing side by side on boats of different sizes. Every year more than 2,000 sails meet in the Gulf of Trieste, making the Barcolana Europe’s biggest sailing event and the only regatta in the world to set a single start line for so many yachts.
Italian Open golf
When: 8-11 October
Where: Olgiata Golf Club, Rome, Italy
Website: europeantour.com
About the event: Olgiata Golf Club in Rome plays host to the European Tour’s top golfers.
Image: formula1.com
Further reading
- Spain and Italy the top summer sailing destinations for UK tourists
- Tuscan Tennis Holidays launch hosted trips to 2020 Rome Masters
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