The Italian sports industry is a powerhouse - it generated €24.7 billion in value added last year and shipped €4.7 billion worth of goods abroad - representing 1.38 percent of Italy’s GDP. This speaks volumes, not just economically but diplomatically, as sport has become one of our most potent international ambassadors - through major events and industrial excellence.

Italy now ranks among the top five global exporters of sport-related products - from performance footwear to premium athletic equipment - and faces a clear opportunity: by focusing on upscale sectors rather than competing on price, it can capture even more market share.