Danes from Another Planet: A 19-Goal Advantage Over Italy


Denmark playing fantastic handball at World Championship 2025. Three wins and four points are secured for Main Round.
Denmark – Italy 39:20 (18:8)
Denmark: Nielsen (11/1 saves), Möller (1 save); Kirkeløkke, Landin, Jakobsen, Lauge, Saugstrup, Gidsel, Möllgaard, Mensah Larsen, Jørgensen, Hansen, Andersson, Bergholt, Hald, Arnoldsen, Pytlick, Madsen.
Italy: Ebner (5 saves), Colleluori (2 saves), Pavani (2 saves); Prantner 1/1, de Angelis 3, Dapiran, Bulzamini 1, Angiolini 1, Savini 1, Bronzo 4/1, S. Mengon 2, Iballi 1, Bortoli, Marrochi 1, Romei 3, Parasini 2.
The game began at a breakneck pace, with Italy surprisingly keeping up in the initial minutes. After just three minutes, the score was tied at 3:3, with Italy striking first each time and Denmark quickly equalizing. Italy’s goalkeeper Domenico Ebner made an early mark by denying Mathias Gidsel.
Denmark took their first lead at 4:3 through Niclas Kirkeløkke in the 6th minute. Despite Simone Mengon equalizing shortly after, Denmark’s goalkeeper Emil Nielsen raised the defensive wall, achieving a save rate exceeding 50% within 15 minutes. Italy struggled to find solutions against Denmark’s compact defense, often running into dead ends in long, laborious attacks. While Italy excelled in quick transitions, their built-up offense faltered.
Denmark exploited Italy’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly their aggressive setup, and went on an 8:0 run to lead 12:4 by the 20th minute. Italy broke a 16-minute scoring drought through Tommaso Romei (12:5, 23rd minute), but Denmark extended their lead to 18:8 by halftime, with Nielsen finishing the half with a remarkable 57% save rate.
Second Half
The second half started with drama when Magnus Landin, playing his 150th international match, was disqualified after a video review showed he had struck Mengon with an elbow during a defensive action. Mengon left the field injured, marking a challenging moment for both teams.
Despite the setback, Denmark continued to dominate, extending their lead to 25:10 by the 42nd minute and 30:15 by the 48th. Denmark’s coach Nikolaj Jacobsen rotated his squad, giving playing time to the “second row” players like Mads Mensah, Kevin Möller, and Thomas Arnoldsen. The substitutes maintained the pressure, and the Danes cruised to a commanding 39:20 victory.
Key Performances
- Emil Nielsen: The Danish goalkeeper was a standout with a stellar performance, especially in the first half, shutting down multiple Italian chances.
- Niclas Kirkeløkke & Simon Pytlick: Played crucial roles in Denmark’s offensive domination, capitalizing on Italy’s defensive lapses.
- Domenico Ebner: Despite the scoreline, the Italian goalkeeper made key saves early on, delaying Denmark’s surge.
Mandatory Credit © Nebojsa Tejic / kolektiff
