Italy was the host nation for the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.

It was the first time that the nation had hosted the Summer Games, and the second time overall (after the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo).

280 competitors, 246 men and 34 women, took part in 138 events in 19 sports.

20 fencers, 15 men and 5 women, represented Italy in 1960.

Italy had 26 male rowers participate in all seven rowing events in 1960.