ROME – The summer of 2016 can only signify one thing in a footballing context, with all eyes focused on France and the hosting of the European Championships. Unusually given the country’s recent performances in major events, Italy entered the tournament as an outside bet to lift the trophy in Paris on July 10.

 Despite Italy’s glittering history as a global, footballing heavyweight, the Azzurri have only ever lifted one European Championships title in 1968, in a competition, which featured only 4 teams compared with the 24 that create the field in France. Their talismanic goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon commented that being one of the underdogs on this occasion has helped his team approach the competition with more freedom and less pressure.

 “Sometimes, starting with the lights off can be an advantage, but a nation like ours always has the duty to go as far as possible,” said the Juventus keeper. “The target is that of having no regrets when we return home, hoping obviously that this happens as late as possible during the tournament. We are going there with a sense of caution and humbleness but, at the same time, we shouldn’t stop dreaming.”

 It can not be disputed that the last few years have seen a period of upheaval for the Italian national team and this is likely to continue, with the now head coach Antonio Conte set to take the vacant managerial position at Chelsea following the culmination of Italy’s Euros campaign. Furthermore, for Buffon and certain other senior members of the Azzurri camp, France 2016 is likely to be their last shot at glory in the European Championships and while this brings added pressures, there is also the obvious opportunity for the younger members of the squad to press their cases for the future.

 Should the Azzurri qualify from their group, there is no reason why they cannot advance deep into the competition as they have done on previous occasions, such as in 2012 when the Italians made it all the way to the final, narrowly missing out again a strong Spain outfit. However, qualification in France will be no mean feat as the Italians have been drawn in a group alongside Sweden with their mercurial talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the line and the Republic of Ireland who were ever impressive in their campaign to reach the finals. The final team in the so-called group of death is Belgium, a side that possesses a wealth of attacking talent and has been tipped by many punters as a potential winner of the overall competition. However, in the opening game of the campaign, the Italians defeated their rivals 2-0 and laid down an important marker for their hopes in France.

 “Belgium are a great side with great players at top European clubs like Hazard and De Bruyne,” said Napoli striker Lorenzo Insigne. “They are strong in attack… But we are not bad in attack either.”

 Certainly, the task of delivering a first European Championships title for Italy in the modern era is a big challenge for Conte and his players, but the next Chelsea boss is known for his work ethic and determination. The opening three games of the tournament are crucial for the Italians as if they progress through the group, big match experience will play a crucial factor in the knockout stages. Following their impressive opening performance against the Belgians, a repeat of 2012’s sparkling run to the final, does not lie outside the realms of possibility.

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