Compacting machine for fabrics and corresponding compacting method

A compacting machine for compacting a fabric, comprising at least one first compacting module for carrying out a mechanical compacting treatment, and at least one second compacting module, disposed in direct connection and immediately downstream of said first compacting module in a direction of feed of the fabric for carrying out a felt compacting treatment, wherein said first compacting module comprises an introduction cylinder, a rubber-coated retarding cylinder spaced from the introduction cylinder so as to receive the fabric between the introduction cylinder and the retarding cylinder with the fabric in contact with each cylinder, and a shaped blade to introduce the fabric between the introduction cylinder and the retarding cylinder, and said second compacting module comprises a heated cylinder, around which the fabric to be compacted winds, a felt strip that presses the fabric against the heated cylinder, and an introduction element suitable to introduce the fabric between the surface of the heated cylinder and said felt strip.