Playing Modus

In two qualifying rounds, as in the last European Championships, 6 teams respectively will play against each other of the same group ("round robin" system).

The first and the second team of each qualifying round group (Group A and B) play the semifinal matches. The other teams, the third, fourth, fifth and sixth placed in the qualifying rounds, will play a placement match against the team at the same place in the other qualifying round group.

The winner of the semifinal games play the final, the other two teams the placement match for the third place.

Qualification for the World Chamionships 1999

The results of the European Handball Championships in Italy have a special importance since they will be used to determine the teams participating at the next World Championship. The best five teams of the European qualify for the World Championship in Egypt 1999.