Over the last few years, Italy has experienced an unexpected sporting surge – not in football or tennis, but in the fast-growing racket sport of padel. What was once a little-known game is now one of the country’s most popular pastimes, with courts springing up across the nation, celebrities getting involved, and participation levels soaring. Padel is no longer a novelty in Italy; it’s becoming a national obsession.
What is Padel?
Padel is a dynamic sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Played in doubles on a small enclosed court with glass walls, the game uses solid, stringless rackets and a slightly less pressurised ball. The rules and scoring are similar to tennis, but the enclosed space adds a tactical, high-paced twist.
Its appeal lies in its accessibility – padel is easy to learn for beginners, yet it offers enough depth and strategy to captivate experienced players. Long rallies, quick reflexes, and constant teamwork make it engaging and social, which has been key to its Italian success.
The Italian Padel Boom
Italy’s love affair with padel has been rapid and widespread. According to the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP), there were around 500 padel courts in 2019. By 2024, that number had exploded to more than 7,000 courts, and the number of registered players has surpassed 150,000, with millions more playing recreationally.
This expansion has been fuelled by both public and private investment. Major cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples are home to dozens of new padel clubs, while smaller towns and coastal resorts have embraced the sport enthusiastically. Existing tennis clubs have added padel courts to meet demand, and dedicated padel-only facilities are becoming more common.
Pandemic-Driven Popularity
Much like in other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in padel’s rise in Italy. With restrictions on indoor sports and a renewed interest in outdoor fitness, Italians sought socially engaging yet physically distanced activities. Padel, often played outdoors and in pairs, fit the bill perfectly. It was an ideal post-lockdown sport: accessible, fun, and conducive to socialising.
Celebrity Influence and Media Coverage
Padel’s rise in Italy has been boosted by high-profile players and celebrity advocates. Footballers like Francesco Totti, Paolo Maldini, and Zlatan Ibrahimović have openly embraced the sport. Totti even opened his own padel club in Rome and regularly competes in charity tournaments. Their involvement has given padel credibility and visibility, particularly among younger Italians.
Media outlets have also caught on. Major sports publications now regularly feature padel stories, while coverage of professional tournaments has increased on television and streaming platforms. Social media, too, is filled with highlights, training clips, and padel challenges, fuelling further interest.
Growth of Competitive and Professional Padel
Italy is not just seeing growth at the amateur level. Competitive padel is expanding quickly, with national tournaments, ranking systems, and youth academies flourishing under the governance of FITP. Italy has hosted stages of the World Padel Tour, drawing large crowds and top international players.
In 2022, the Italian national team made headlines by reaching the semi-finals of the Padel World Championships, a performance that helped galvanise interest in the sport across the country. The country is now considered a serious contender on the global padel stage.
A Sport for All
One of padel’s greatest strengths in Italy is its broad appeal. It attracts a diverse mix of players – men and women, young and old, athletes and amateurs. It’s become a go-to activity for social groups, couples, and even corporate teams. Padel’s community atmosphere and relatively low barrier to entry make it more inclusive than many traditional sports.
It’s also being introduced in schools and universities, further embedding it in Italian society. Physical education teachers are being trained to teach padel, and several educational institutions have built courts for students.
Infrastructure and Challenges
While growth has been impressive, challenges remain. In some areas, demand outpaces supply, especially in urban centres. Peak-hour court availability can be limited, and there’s a growing need for trained coaches and referees to support long-term development.
Regulations around court construction have also become a topic of discussion, particularly in historic or densely populated areas. Balancing expansion with environmental and urban planning considerations will be key to sustainable growth.
The Road Ahead
The future of padel in Italy looks bright. FITP continues to invest in youth programmes, coaching certification, and international collaboration. Several Italian cities are bidding to host more high-profile international events, and the professional circuit is becoming increasingly competitive.
Commercial interest is also on the rise. Sports brands, sponsors, and facility operators are recognising the business potential of padel, contributing to a more professional and structured ecosystem.
Conclusion
Padel has captured the hearts of Italians with its unique blend of energy, strategy, and sociability. From bustling urban clubs to coastal resort courts, Italy’s padel boom shows no sign of slowing. As the sport becomes further embedded in daily life and national identity, it’s clear that padel is more than just a passing trend – it’s here to stay. Whether you’re a seasoned tennis player or a complete beginner, Italy is proving that there’s a place for everyone in the world of padel.