ESPN Classic Sport will make its debut in Italy on DTH digital satellite TELE + DIGITALE on 1 July. The new channel marks ESPN's first branded network initiative in Italy.

Content will be tailored to the tastes of Italian sports fans and presented in Italian. The channel will concentrate on sports fare where the country had a major role to play, like Italy's victory in the 1982 World Cup over West Germany. Other highlights include the 1960 Rome Olympics, and boxing matches featuring Italians like Rocky Marciano, 'Raging Bull' Jake La Motta, and Nino Benvenuti, says an official release.

To complement its local programming, ESPN Classic Sport will also feature international sports including the FIFA World Cup Official Film collection, Tennis Grand Slam events and boxing matches featuring greats such as Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

ESPN Classic Sport made its European debut in France in March this year. ESPN Classic Sport is 70 per cent owned by ESPN Inc. and 30 per cent owned by Sports Capital Partners. TWI, the largest independent producer, packager, and distributor of sports programming in the world, plays a principal role in ESPN Classic Sport by providing a variety of support services to the venture, including production and facilities.

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