Soccer is followed obsessively in Italy, and the Serie A’s position as one of the ‘Big Five’ European leagues has also won it admirers in finance.

Almost half the clubs now have non-Italian owners, with high-profile takeovers in recent years including AC Milan, AS Roma and Genoa.

The individuals and groups who have invested in the league stand to benefit from sponsorship and media rights, as fanbases continue to expand in Asia and North America.

For investors with a broader sporting focus, the Italian Grand Prix and the Giro d’Italia cycling race are also followed with enthusiasm at home and abroad, creating opportunities within teams and the supply chain, while more than 1,000 rugby clubs draw inspiration from the national side that competes at the Six Nations.

Italian tennis has also had a boost since it was announced that the ATP Tour Finals would be held at Turin’s Pala Alpitour stadium from 2021-25. The prestigious event arrived as the strongest Italian players in years began rising through the ranks, creating national excitement. During the decade, Italy will also host the 2026 Winter Olympics and the 2023 Ryder Cup.