Italy, no stranger to UEFA’s big stage, preps for its eleventh shot at glory in 2024. Hosted by Germany from June 14 to July 14, this edition promises top-tier action. Italy landed in Group C, alongside Spain, Croatia, and Albania. As defending champs, they’ve got something to prove.
With two titles in the bag and a track record worth dissecting, the team has proven to be a formidable competitor in the tournament. Italy landed in Group C, alongside Spain, Croatia, and Albania.
Key dates for Group C? Circle June 15 for Italy vs Albania at BVB Stadion Dortmund, then June 20 for a showdown with Spain at Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen. Wrapping up the group stage, Italy faces Croatia on June 24 at Leipzig Stadium. Odds are, Italy’s eyeing that spot at the knockout stage, trailing Spain and Croatia in the rankings.
We can expect the Azzurri to bring their A-game, as always. But there is no harm in digging into their stats before UEFA Euro 2024 betting on matches.
Italy’s UEFA Performances
Italy first claimed both their hosting rights and the UEFA European Championship title in 1968. Manager Ferruccio Valcareggi led the squad with Giacinto Facchetti as captain. They played three, won one, and drew two.
The year brought several notable moments. The country had a goalless duel with the Soviet Union and a dramatic coin-toss win after a 1-1 draw with Yugoslavia. Italy hosted another UEFA European Championship twice in 1980 but only managed to secure fourth place.
The Azzurri reached another final in 2000, but it went home as a runner-up. The team, then-captained by the legendary Paolo Maldini, had another goalless standoff this year that resulted in a penalty drama win over the Netherlands.
The team was defeated 1-2 in the final stage by France after six matches of four wins and one draw. Filippo Inzaghi made the most goals for the team this year with two. However, Marco Delvecchio was the only one making a goal in the final stage.
In 2012, Italy returned as runners-up with Gianluigi Buffon as captain and Cesare Prandelli as manager. The team had a 1-1 draw with Spain and a penalty win over England after a scoreless draw. But after two wins and three draws, the team swallowed a 0-4 defeat against Spain in the final.
It took Italy 52 years to reclaim the championship title and its journey to UEFA Euro 2020 glory wasn’t a straight path. Originally set for 2020, the tournament was pushed to 2021 due to COVID-19.
Italy, a co-host, kicked off the event at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Giorgio Chiellini took the helm as the team captain this year. Key goals from Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne, Locatelli, and Pessina powered their 2020 campaign.
The final against England at Wembley was a nail-biter for the team, which was managed by Roberto Mancini. A 1-1 draw through a goal by Leonardo Bonucci led to penalties, where Italy prevailed.
2024 Prospects
Ahead of UEFA Euro 2024, Italy faces challenges that could define their campaign. Their recent form suggests the team isn’t at its peak. Failing to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup was a notable setback.
Coach Luciano Spalletti, fresh from Napoli’s Serie A win, leads Italy. But absentees like Sandro Tonali due to suspension, Berardi’s injury, and Verratti’s fitness issues complicate matters. In addition, current captain Ciro Immobile’s poor form at Lazio puts his Euro spot in jeopardy.
In addition, fans are worried as the team was drawn into Group B alongside Spain, Croatia, and Albania. Many labels this the “group of death”, especially considering Italy’s #18 ranking compared to Portugal’s top spot.
However, with Euro 2024’s format allowing the four best third-placed teams to advance, Italy has hope. According to The Telegraph, bookmakers currently place Italy’s odds at 16/1 to retain their title. This places them alongside the likes of the Netherlands.
