⚽ Italy – Key Euros Stats ⚽

Euro appearances: 10
Euro Titles: 2
Best finish: Winners (1968, 2020)
Euros Record: W21 D18 L6
Goals scored: 52
Biggest win: 3-0 (vs Turkey and vs Switzerland in Euro 2020)
Player to watch: Federico Dimarco
World ranking: 9th Team
Team nickname: Gli Azzuri (the Blues)

Group Fixtures:

• 15 June: Italy vs Albania (BVB Stadion, Dortmund, 9pm local/19:00 GMT)
• 20 June: Spain vs Italy (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, 9pm local/19:00 GMT)
• 24 June: Croatia vs Italy (Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig, 9pm local/19:00 GMT)

Italy enters the tournament as the reigning champions, but the shine of their title has faded since their victorious night at Wembley in 2021. Notably, they failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after an upset loss to North Macedonia.

Their qualification for Euro 2024 was also tumultuous. After a loss to England and a win over Malta, long-term manager Roberto Mancini stepped down, replaced by Luciano Spalletti. His tenure began with a 1-1 draw against North Macedonia, and Italy eventually secured their Euros spot with a tense draw against Ukraine.

Bet gone wrong

Preparations were further marred by a betting scandal, leading to Sandro Tonali's 10-month ban. Nicolo Zaniolo left the team camp as well. Despite these setbacks, Nicolo Fagioli, who also faced a ban, is part of the final 26-man squad.

Injuries and changes in the squad have limited Italy’s attacking options. Marco Verratti and Lorenzo Insigne are no longer Europe-based, while Federico Chiesa has struggled with injuries. Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori remain the main attacking threats.

Defence is the best form of attack

Italy's strength lies in their defence, featuring 11 defenders, including four from Inter Milan. They play a formidable back-three system, evidenced by their solid performance in friendlies and club football.

Italy’s defensive line, potentially featuring Bastoni, Boungiorni, Dimarco, and Darmian, is among the tournament’s strongest. However, success in the tournament may rely on more than just defence.

⚽ Italy’s final squad for Euro 2024 ⚽

Captain: Gianluigi Donnarumma

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris St Germain), Alex Meret (Napoli), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspur)

Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Raoul Bellanova (Torino), Alessandro Buongiorno (Torino), Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Inter), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Gianluca Mancini (Roma)

Midfielders: Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Nicolo Fagioli (Juventus), Michael Folorunsho (Hellas Verona), Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan), Jorginho (Arsenal), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma)

Forwards: Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma), Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli), Mateo Retegui (Genoa), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)

Follow the tournament on Al Jazeera’s dedicated Euro 2024 page for match buildup, live commentary, standings, and results.