Despite starting Euro 2024 as defending champions, Italy will be acutely aware of their issues in qualifying for the tournament after a difficult start for head coach Luciano Spalletti.

Spalletti accepted the chance to replace Roberto Mancini in the summer of 2023, but qualification was secured via a worryingly narrow margins as they edged out Ukraine for an automatic spot in Germany following a goalless draw on the final matchday.

However, the Azzurri’s run to the final of Euro 2020 was unexpected at the start of the competition. Few had predicted Mancini’s charges would reach the showpiece or, indeed, get the better of England in the final at Wembley.

Former Napoli boss Spalletti is still working to find his best team, and goals remain an issue. Italy discovered their Euro 2024 fate in December 2023, after the group-stage draw in Hamburg.

Here is how things played out.

MORE: Who has qualified for Euro 2024?

Italy were drawn into Group E of Euro 2024. They have been handed a tough-looking draw against Spain, Croatia, and Albania.

Italy will begin their campaign against Albania on June 15 in Dortmund. They will face Spain in Gelsenkirchen on Matchday Two on June 20, and Croatia in their third match on June 24.

If Italy finish top of Group E, they will face the third-place team from either Group A, B, C, or D in the Round of 16. That path could see them meet France in the quarterfinals.

If they come second in their group, they will be pitted against the runners-up of Group D (the pool containing France, Austria, Netherlands and Poland).

Round of 16

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final