The men's coxed four event was part of the rowing programme at the 1928 Summer Olympics.

The Italian team dethroned two-time reigning champion Switzerland, beating the Swiss crew in both the semifinals and the final.

[2] Eight of the ten nations from the 1924 Games returned, including medallists Switzerland (the two-time reigning champions), France, and the United States.

Italy had won the 1925, 1926, and 1927 European championships (with Switzerland third, second, and second those years), however, and was a significant challenger.

Belgium and France each made their fourth appearance, tied for most among nations to that point.

Source: Official results;[4] De Wael[5] Winners advanced to the second round.