Polo in Italy: From Rome to Milan's Mediterranean Circuit

Italy occupies a distinctive and somewhat underrated position in the global polo world. While the sport lacks the mass participation of Argentina or the United Kingdom, Italian polo has a rich club culture, spectacular venues, and a season that combines serious competition with the country's unparalleled lifestyle appeal. For players seeking to experience polo in one of the world's most beautiful countries — or for travelling players looking to combine polo with culture, food, and Mediterranean scenery — Italy offers a compelling circuit.

The State of Polo in Italy

Polo in Italy is governed by the **Federazione Italiana Polo (FIP Italy)**, which is affiliated with the international FIP. The federation oversees club registration, player handicapping, tournament sanctioning, and national team selection. According to FIP Italy, there are approximately 25 to 30 active polo clubs across the country, concentrated in the north (Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto), central regions (Tuscany, Lazio), and the south and islands (Sardinia, Sicily) — the latter two increasingly prominent on the summer circuit.

The total active player community is relatively small by international standards — estimates suggest 1,500 to 2,000 registered players — but the quality at the top end is high, and Italy regularly fields competitive teams at FIP European and World Championship level.

Key Clubs

Roma Polo Club

One of Italy's oldest and most prestigious polo clubs, Roma Polo Club is located within the Villa Borghese gardens — one of the most remarkable settings in world polo, with umbrella pines framing the fields against the backdrop of Rome. The club operates year-round, with outdoor polo possible from spring through autumn due to Rome's mild climate.

Roma Polo Club hosts several national and international tournaments throughout the season and welcomes visiting players by prior arrangement. The club has a professional polo school offering lessons for beginners and intermediate players.

Polo Club Torino

Based near Turin in the Piedmont region, Polo Club Torino is one of the more technically focused clubs in Italy. It operates on high-quality grass fields and runs a strong competitive programme through the summer season. Torino's proximity to the French Riviera circuit means it often participates in cross-border competitions.

Club Ippico del Piemonte

Another Piedmont club with a long history, this club serves the regional polo community and offers stable yard facilities suitable for visiting players bringing their own horses.

Riviera dei Fiori Polo Club (Liguria)

Situated in the Italian Riviera, this club capitalises on the coastal Mediterranean setting and draws affluent summer visitors to its social polo calendar. The club runs mid-[goal](/glossary/goal) tournaments alongside more informal social chukkas.

Tenuta di Paganico (Tuscany)

The Tuscan polo scene, centred on the province of Grosseto and extending to Siena, has grown significantly over the past decade. Several agriturismo estates have developed polo facilities, and the Maremma region is increasingly home to serious polo operations. Tenuta di Paganico is among the more established, offering both competitive polo and polo holiday packages.

Polo Club Olbia (Sardinia)

Sardinia's polo scene is concentrated around Porto Cervo and Olbia, where the luxury yachting community intersects with polo during the summer season. The Polo Club Olbia hosts summer tournaments attracting international teams, particularly from northern Europe and the Middle East. Costs here are at the premium end of the Italian spectrum.

Playing Season

Italy's polo season broadly divides into:

The most prestigious Italian tournaments typically fall in June and September, framing the summer peak with high-quality competitive polo.

Costs of Playing Polo in Italy

Italy is mid-range in European polo terms — significantly cheaper than the UK's high-goal scene, but more expensive than emerging Eastern European circuits.

For visiting players looking to play a few chukkas during a holiday, many clubs offer "polo experience" days at €200 to €400 including lesson and one or two chukkas.

For a comprehensive overview of polo costs internationally, see our [costs of polo](/costs) page.

Governing Body: Federazione Italiana Polo

FIP Italy manages:

Contact details and affiliated club lists are available through FIP Italy's official website.

Top Tournaments

Italian Open Championship

Italy's flagship tournament, typically held in June or July, is contested at the mid-to-high goal level. The event attracts patrono-sponsored teams mixing Italian and foreign players. It is held at one of the major northern clubs, rotating periodically.

Roma Polo Challenge

An annual invitation tournament at Roma Polo Club, typically held in May, at the 6 to 8-goal level. The Villa Borghese setting makes this one of the most visually striking events in European polo.

Sardinia Cup

A summer high-goal event in the Porto Cervo/Olbia region, drawing luxury travel clientele and international teams. Held in July or August.

Italian Cup

A national club championship open to all FIP Italy-registered teams, typically at low-to-mid goal level, providing competition across the broader club community.

Cultural Notes

Polo in Italy reflects broader Italian cultural values in interesting ways:

How to Get Started in Italy

1. **Contact FIP Italy**: Their website lists all affiliated clubs by region.

2. **Book a polo school session**: Roma Polo Club, Polo Club Torino, and several Tuscan clubs offer structured polo schools for visitors.

3. **Arrange horse hire in advance**: Especially for summer visits, available polo horses are booked quickly. Contact clubs at least 6 to 8 weeks before intended play dates.

4. **Consider a polo tour package**: Several tour operators offer Italian polo holidays combining accommodation, lessons, chukkas, and cultural experiences — ideal for first-time visitors to the Italian polo scene.

For an overview of international polo travel, see our [travel guide](/travel). For clubs near you or abroad, consult our [polo clubs](/clubs) directory.

FAQs

Is polo popular in Italy?

Polo has a dedicated following in Italy, concentrated in the affluent communities of northern Italy, Rome, Tuscany, and Sardinia. It is a niche sport by Italian standards but has a strong club culture.

What is the best time to visit Italy for polo?

June to September covers most major tournaments. The Sardinian coast events in July and August combine polo with one of the world's great summer destinations.

Can visiting players bring their own horses?

Yes, with standard EU equine health documentation (Equine Health Certificate and valid passports). Most clubs have stable facilities for visiting horses.

What language is polo played in in Italy?

Italian primarily, but most serious polo events have English as a working language, particularly at international tournaments.

Are there English-language polo schools in Italy?

Several clubs in tourist areas (Tuscany, Sardinia, Rome) offer English-language instruction. Always confirm when booking.

What handicap do I need to play club polo in Italy?

Most clubs welcome players from -2 (beginner) upward. Your national association handicap is recognised in Italy through FIP affiliation.

Is Italian polo connected to the wider European circuit?

Yes. Italian clubs participate in European cup circuits, and Italian players regularly compete in France, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland during the summer season.