After two disappointing World Cups, Italy will be hoping to redeem themselves on the international stage at this summer's Euro tournament. In the 2012 edition, the Azzurri made an impressive run to the finals, but were thrashed 4-0 by Spain. How will Antonio Conte's side fare this time around?
Italy's Euro record
So far, the Azzurri have only won one Euro tournament. That was in 1968, when they served as hosts. Since then, their best ever finish has been two runners-up spots, in 2000 and most recently in 2012. Italy did not enter the first Euro tournament in 1960, and failed to qualify for the 1972, 1976, 1984, and 1992 editions.
As such, this will be the first time they are playing in a Euro tournament taking place in France. In total, Italy have participated in nine Euro competitions, including the upcoming one this summer.
Italy's current form
Italy had a poor showing at the 2014 World Cup that saw them crash out at the group stages. However, since then, the Azzurri have managed to pick up the pieces and turn things around. During their Euro 2016 qualifiers, they managed to make it through all ten of their matches sans suffering a single defeat, and with seven wins and three draws, ultimately ended up finishing ahead of Croatia to top their group by four points.
June 2015 was the first time Italy lost a match under Antonio Conte's tenure, when they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Portugal in a friendly. Four straight Euro 2016 qualifying wins followed, but the Azzurri were again beaten in yet another friendly - this time by Belgium in November 2015, and finished the year with a frustrating 2-2 draw against Romania.
This year saw them record a solid one-all stalemate versus Spain in March. However, their long-standing unbeaten run against familiar foes Germany came to an abrupt end when they were crushed 4-1 in Munich at the Allianz Arena.
In terms of rankings, Italy are currently 15th in the world and ninth in UEFA as per FIFA's May 2016 ranking.
The man on the tactician's bench
After three successful seasons with Juventus, in which he won three consecutive Scudetti, Antonio Conte took over as the Azzurri coach in the summer of 2014. Since his arrival, he has achieved some notable milestones. For instance, on September 9, 2014 Italy defeated Norway 2-0 in their first Euro qualifier under his tenure. This was the first time since 1937 they have beaten Norway on home soil.
Conte's next stop after the Euro tournament will be London with English powerhouse Chelsea
As a player, Conte was part of the Italian squad that finished as runners-up at the Euro 2000 tournament. From a tactical perspective, a large part of his squad will be comprised of his former Juventus players - ranging from Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, and Leonardo Bonucci. Whilst in charge of La Vecchia Signora, he used a 3-5-2 formation, but has proven to be very flexible whilst on the Azzurri bench, rotating between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-4 as well.
UEFA Euro 2016 broadcasters in Italy
RAI and Sky are the Euro 2016 broadcast rights holders in Italy. Sky Sports will air all 51 matches on its channels, making all of them available to stream live online and on their official app Sky Go Italia. RAI will telecast 27 matches, including those from the Italian national team.
Go to Italy's page for the team's full UEFA Euro 2016 fixtures and global online and TV listings.
Italy's Euro 2016 roster
Here is Italy's 23 man squad for Euro 2016. Some notable absentees from this group include Claudio Marchisio (due to injury) but the one glaring ommission by far will definitely be midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo.
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