Abstract: A handling device for handling containers in a capping and/or inspection station of a capping installation is provided. The device includes a centering member, having a side opening arranged to receive a neck region of a container, and a clamp gripping assembly for holding the container during the capping operations. The clamp gripping assembly is mounted so as to be vertically slidable between a first position, in which it is disengaged from the container and enables removing a capped container and receiving a container to be capped, and a second position, which is taken by the gripping assembly during capping and/or inspection and in which it engages the container. The clamp gripping assembly is associated with means controlling vertical sliding thereof, including first elastic means configured so as to keep the clamp gripping assembly in the second position and to apply, in the position, an axial load to the container.