Netherlands secured the first place in an entertaining Yellow Cup, the 51st edition of the traditional friendly competition which takes place in Switzerland, after a three-time tie between the Dutch side, hosts Switzerland and Italy, as Kosovo, the fourth side to take part, ended up with three losses.

In the first day, Italy, which will make their return to the IHF Men’s World Championship after more than two decades, dropped a bombshell and delivered a fantastic performance, proving they are no pushovers, against Switzerland.

An outstanding outing from goalkeeper Domenico Ebner, who saved 18 shots and scored one goal, helped by seven goals from right wing Leo Prantner, kickstarted Italy’s performance, helping them to a 31:29 win, which left hosts Switzerland emptyhanded and in need of two big wins to hope for the final win.

On the other hand, the Netherlands proved that they had an excellent attack in their 36:24 win against Kosovo, doubling down with yet another good performance in the second match, a 31:26 win over Italy.

Italy went close in that match, cutting the gap to only two goals, 23:21, with 13 minutes to go, but Niels Versteijnen, Martijn Kleijkers and star Kay Smits combined for 14 goals, to lift the Netherlands to a 31:26 win.

Switzerland secured their maiden win, 34:24, against Kosovo, but conceded a huge blow in the second half of the match, when centre back Manuel Zehnder, the fulcrum of Switzerland’s attack, injured his knee and will miss an extended period of time, becoming unavailable for the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship.

In the last day, Italy dominated Kosovo, taking a 28:25 win, but all eyes were on the match between Switzerland and the Netherlands, which was going to decide the winner of the Yellow Cup.

It was a battle until the end, but eventually Switzerland emerged victorious, with a 34:33 win, where Samuel Zehnder scored seven goals and Luka Maros had eight goals, after the two teams were locked in a 16:16 tie at the break.

However, with the Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy all finishing on four points, the winner was decided by the three-way goal difference between the sides and the Netherlands emerged victorious, with a +4 goal difference, followed by Switzerland (-1) and Italy (-3).

Italy will throw off the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship on 14 January, against Tunisia, the Netherlands face Guinea on 15 January, while Switzerland’s debut is against Czechia on 15 January.

Credit photo: Federazione Italiana Giuoco Handball / Thomas Schips