Soccer-Italy at the European Championship
May 24 (Reuters) - The following is a factbox on Italy, who are in Group A at this year's European Championship, which kicks off on June 11. ITALY FIFA ranking: 7 Coach: Roberto Mancini Mancini has revived Italy's fortunes since taking over in 2018 after they failed to qualify for the World Cup. The team are unbeaten in their last 25 games to match the record of 2006 World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi's run without defeat. Captain: Giorgio Chiellini The rock at the heart of the Italy defence, Chiellini will hope to lead his side to their first European Championship title since 1968, having endured the disappointment of 2012 when they lost 4-0 to Spain in the final. Top player: Ciro Immobile The experienced Lazio centre forward is enjoying a strong season for club and country with 27 goals so far and will be expected to provide the main goal threat for the Azzurri. Tournament history Italy won their first and only European Championship in 1968 in Rome, beating Yugoslavia 2-0 in a replay two days after a 1-1 draw, but they did not qualify for the next two editions. Following a semi-final run in 1988, Italy were runners-up in 2000 after losing 2-1 to France and missed out on the title yet again in 2012 when they were thrashed 4-0 by Spain in the final. Recent form 2021 Lithuania 0-2 Italy World Cup qualifying 2021 Bulgaria 0-2 Italy World Cup qualifying 2021 Italy 2-0 N. Ireland World Cup qualifying 2020 Bosnia 0-2 Italy UEFA Nations League 2020 Italy 2-0 Poland UEFA Nations League Tournament fixtures June 11: v Turkey, Rome June 16: v Switzerland, Rome June 20: v Wales, Rome William Hill odds to win: 11-1 (Compiled by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)
