How many European Championships have Italy won & how many titles do they have?

Italy take on England in the Euro 2020 final with the goal of adding another trophy to their cabinet. How many Euro and World Cup titles have the Azzurri won so far?

Roberto Mancini's Italy go into Sunday's final against England with their eyes on their first European success in 53 years. 

The Azzurri claimed the 2006 World Cup, beating neighbours France after extra-time and penalties in Berlin. This time they travel to Wembley to face Gareth Southgate's England team.

The Italians have a decent record in World Cups, but this summer's Euros is their third European final in 21 years. In 2000, they lost to France in the final. Spain defeated them 4-0 in the 2012 final. La Roja took an early lead and controlled the game on the way to a 4-0 rout.

World Cup glory

In 1934, Italy made their first appearance in the World Cup. This side was led by the legendary Giuseppe Meazza, quite possibly the greatest Italian player of all time. Known as “Il Genio” by the Italian press, Meazza was a prolific goalscorer. The team was coached by Vittorio Pozzo. The Azzurri went on to beat Czechoslovakia 2-1 in the finals, winning the World Cup title in their debut appearance.

Just four years later, the Italians, who were favourites from the get-go of the 1938 World Cup, beat Norway, France, Brazil, and Hungary on their way to their second consecutive World Cup title. Due to WWII, the 1938 World Cup turned out to be the last major tournament in 12 years.

Italy 1982 World Cup champions

In the second round of the 1982 World Cup, Italy won against Argentina (2-1) and Brazil (3-2). Paolo Rossi scored a hat-trick versus the Brazilians. He followed that up with a brace in the semi-final match against Poland, leading Italy to the finals against West Germany. They won the match 3-1, claiming their third World Cup title. Rossi went on to win both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot.

European winners

At their first European Championship in 1968, Italy were chosen to host the final tournament. Their semi-final match with the Soviet Union ended in a 0-0 draw, which saw Italy advance on a coin toss. The match against Yugoslavia also ended in a draw, but Italy won the replay 2-0, winning their first major trophy in three decades.

Italy beat France on penalties

With two victories over Ghana and the Czech Republic and a draw against the United States, the Italians advanced from their 2006 World Cup group with ease. The knockout stages saw Italy continue to perform well, especially on the defensive end. They defeated Australia, Ukraine, and Germany without conceding a goal, setting up a mouth-watering final with France. The game ended 1-1 and went to penalties, after Zinedine Zidane was sent off for headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi. Italy won the penalty shootout, claiming their fourth World Cup title.

Italy have participated 18 times in the World Cup, winning it on four occasions. On the European front, their only triumph came back in 1968. They have participated in 10 European Championships (including 2020).