The author compares the perspectives of the health and sport systems on the promotion of physical activity in Italy. To this end, programmes of the Italian Olympic Committee and Italian Health Ministry are analysed and contrasted through a theoretical framework based on Luhmann’s systems theory. The documents are discrepant in relation to many aspects which concern: The forms of recommended physical activity, the functions ascribed to the organisations of the two systems, and the integration of the respective fundamental scientific concepts. In summary, different systemic logics lead to communications which constantly aim to protect organisational meanings and competences from the external interferences of the other system. In this context, the health system’s logic has a dominant position.
Keywords: Attività fisica; salute; sport; cooperazione; medicalizzazione; teoria dei sistemi.