4 Mar 2009Italy to bid to host Euro 2016

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Monday (March 2nd) that it will submit an official bid to host the European Championships in 2016, Reuters reports.

The country made an attempt to secure the 2012 tournament but eventually lost out to Ukraine and Poland, a decision reportedly influenced by its problems tackling hooliganism.

However, following a board meeting, FIG president Giancarlo Abate confirmed that an official bid will be submitted in time to meet the official deadline of March 9th.

According to Reuters, he told a news conference: "Italy will present its declaration of interest for the 2016 European Championships by [the deadline]."

Abate had previously told Rai radio station: "Italy is interested because we cannot shun the challenge of major international events and because we must start virtuous circles that give hope to our football."

The 2012 instalment of the tournament will be the last to feature 16 teams after Uefa, European football's governing body, voted last year to expand it to 24.

Spain are the current European champions after their 1-0 win over Germany in the final of last summer's competition in Austria and Switzerland.

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