Rome, caput Petanque. After 31 years, the Italian Bocce Federation is staging the world championships for individuals, men's and women's pairs, and mixed pairs, of the world's most popular specialitity.

This important event will take place at Villa Borghese, a green and historically rich area in the heart of the capital. "The Petanque World Cup, which was initially planned to take place at the Circus Maximus, will now be held at Villa Borghese in the Galoppatoio area from 17 to 22 September," explains Marco Giunio De Sanctis, president of Fib in his third mandate.

We reached an agreement with the Municipality of Rome on this new location because the Circus Maximus was not available for the necessary time required for the set-up and dismantling operations of this prestigious event.

The kermesse will breathe new life into the international bowls movement. I am very happy to have received adequate direct financial support from the government, as this is a major international sporting event with 48 participating nations.”