Italy’s national football team — gli Azzurri — has carved some of the most memorable tournament journeys in international football.
From vindicating under-dog status to pure domination, the Bleu-robed squad has had highs that echo across generations.
Here, we count down the 10 best tournament runs by Italy, evaluating not only the trophies, but the drama, the resilience, and the legacy left behind.
10. UEFA Euro 2000
Italy sniffed the final after a compelling run, riding the talents of players like Gianluigi Buffon and Francesco Totti.
They held their nerve before falling just short, but the journey marked a resurgence of Italian flair on the European stage.
9. UEFA Euro 1968
On home soil, Italy navigated past the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia to claim their first European Championship title.
The run included a final replay – a format long gone – and set the tone for a new era of Italian tournament success.
8. FIFA World Cup 1970
Italy reached the final and delivered one of the greatest semi-finals ever: the 4-3 extra-time win over West Germany would become “The Game of the Century”.
Though beaten by Brazil in the final, that run remains iconic.
7. FIFA World Cup 1934
Hosting the tournament in Rome, Italy progressed with authority and defeated Czechoslovakia in the final.
A landmark achievement in pre-war football and the first major global triumph for the Azzurri.
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6. FIFA World Cup 1938
Italy became the first nation to defend a World Cup title, doing so in France.
Wins over France, Brazil and Hungary en route to lifting the trophy marked this as a standout campaign.
5. UEFA Euro 2020 – best 10 Tournament Runs by Italy
After qualifying hiccups, Italy’s resurgence culminated in a flawless knockout run and that memorable final penalty shootout win over England at Wembley.
A modern classic of team spirit and tactical adaptability.
4. FIFA World Cup 1982
With Paolo Rossi’s unexpected ascent and Italy’s tactical steel, this run included the famous quarter-final hat-trick against Brazil and ultimate victory over West Germany.
A legendary campaign that revived Italian football.
3. FIFA World Cup 2006
Amid domestic scandal and limited expectations, Italy delivered an inspired campaign: the quarter-final win over Germany, a final penalty shoot-out win against France, and recognition of Fabio Cannavaro’s majestic leadership.
A true underdog story turned epic.
2. FIFA World Cup 1994
Italy reached the final despite a rocky group stage and red-card adversity.
The knockout run featured heroic goals from Roberto Baggio and intense matches until they bowed out in the final.
A testament to resilience.
1. FIFA World Cup 1968
Actually, the number one slot is rightly World Cup 2006, marking Italy’s most impressive tournament run given context, opposition, drama and ultimate reward.
The phrase RANKED: best 10 Tournament Runs by Italy highlights how the Azzurri’s journeys across decades reflect shifting eras of football: from pre-war dominance to modern tactical mastery.
Each entry here shows that Italy’s successes weren’t just about lifting trophies – they were stories of timing, character, and footballing identity.
