Trento once again leads the way in Italy’s 2025 Sports Index, published by Il Sole 24 Ore as part of its annual Quality of Life survey. The province outpaced Florence, in second place, and Milan, which reached the top three for the first time in the ranking’s 19-year history.
The index evaluates the reach and quality of sports across provinces using 32 indicators grouped into four categories: individual sports, team sports, infrastructure and social engagement. Trento distinguished itself in individual sports and community participation, also ranking second for sports facilities. This marks its eighth overall victory in the index.
Cremona took first place for team sports, while Rimini led in infrastructure. Milan confirmed its steady climb, rising from eighth in 2022 to fifth in 2023 and 2024, and now onto the podium thanks in part to its dominance in professional football. Other major cities also performed strongly: Florence placed second with a leadership role in women’s sports, Bologna fifth, Genoa sixth and Turin eighth.
At the bottom of the ranking sits South Sardinia, just behind Lodi, the lowest-ranking province in northern Italy.
The survey also highlights areas leading in sports investments linked to Italy’s recovery fund (Pnrr): Venice, Lucca, Ravenna, Matera and Florence top this chart, while Belluno surged 52 places, excelling in amateur sports and outdoor tourism.