Bob Hanning to lead Italy!
The FIGH – Italian Handball Federation, as part of its technical and organizational project for the 2025-2028 Olympic cycle, is pleased to announce the beginning of a collaboration with German manager and coach Bob Hanning, who will officially take on the roles of consultant and Technical Director of the men’s national teams. The agreement will be formalized this afternoon (Friday) at the Unity Arena in Oslo, Norway, during a presentation to key international handball media. The event will take place at 7:00 PM, before the 2025 World Championship semifinal between Denmark and Portugal, with the presence of FIGH President Stefano Podini and Bob Hanning.
This marks the conclusion of the technical cycle led by coach Riccardo Trillini, whose contract is expiring. Trillini’s tenure began in 2017 and culminated in Italy’s historic qualification for the 2025 World Championship and an excellent run in the tournament, reaching the Main Round and finishing in 16th place overall.
At the same time, the Federation is opening a new chapter of further growth for Italian handball, implementing a comprehensive and structured project. This initiative will focus on the development of both senior and youth national teams, with a strong emphasis on talent scouting and development, a key priority for the Federation. Additionally, Italian players will have greater opportunities to compete in top-tier international club competitions, further enhancing their skills and experience.
FIGH President Stefano Podini stated:
“This is a broad and structured plan, launched following last June’s elections. It goes beyond management reorganization, also marking a step forward in technical development across indoor handball, beach handball, and both male and female national teams, at senior and youth levels.”
The appointment of Alfredo Rodriguez Alvarez as Technical Director of the women’s national teams last summer, along with the full support provided to Trillini’s staff for their World Championship campaign, reflects this vision.
“With the Federal Council, we made a significant financial effort to ensure an extended preparation period, running from December 15 to January 25. The results made us all proud.”
Podini continued:
“The World Championship experience was a milestone for our sport’s future. After two Olympic cycles under Riccardo Trillini’s leadership, to whom I express my deepest gratitude for his remarkable contribution over the past eight years, we believe it is time to enter a new phase. This phase will align with our ambitions and the need for further growth in Italian handball while maintaining technical continuity through the support of coach Jürgen Prantner, who will work alongside Hanning.”
“The upcoming Olympic cycle will be crucial. We must inject fresh energy, set even more ambitious goals, and maintain high competitive intensity. This ambition led us to make a significant and prestigious decision: to entrust this strategic project to Bob Hanning, a high-profile expert. His experience, knowledge, and vision are exactly what we need for this journey.”
Informally, Hanning has already been collaborating with the Federation for months, helping place Italian players in top European clubs. Thanks to these efforts, several national team members will be competing in the Bundesliga and other top leagues from next year.
Bob Hanning’s debut
Hanning’s first match as head coach of the Italian national team will take place on March 13 in Jelgava, Latvia, for the EHF EURO 2026 qualifiers. The first home match will be on March 16, again against Latvia, at Palasport Sa Rodia in Oristano, in a crucial 120-minute showdown for European Championship qualification.
President Podini concluded:
“The Federation’s commitment is daily and unwavering in building a stronger, more competitive Italian handball team that proudly represents our country on the global stage. We are ready to embark on this journey with enthusiasm and determination, fully aware of the challenges ahead but also of the immense opportunities.”
