Volata

Origin and rules

Volata was codified in 1928 by Augusto Turati during Italy’s interwar drive to create distinctly Italian sports. Drawing on the Veneto game of palla volo and elements of handball, it was widely promoted until largely fading after World War II.

How it plays

Seven players per side move a hand-sized leather ball with hand passes and one-touch volleys, trying to throw it into a small central goal at each end of the pitch. Players cannot run more than three steps with the ball, mirroring early handball rules.

Competition

Volata is preserved as a historical sport by the Italian National Olympic Committee and Italian Folkloric Federation, with occasional revival tournaments in Veneto and Lazio. It is no longer played at international level and is not on the Olympic programme.