Euro 2024: Defending champ Italy demands to be recognized among favorites

Captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has refused to accept that defending champion Italy should be rated behind the likes of England, France and Spain in the Euro 2024 favorites list.

The Paris St. Germain stopper was outstanding during Italy's victory in the final three years ago, making two crucial saves in the penalty shootout against England as the Azzurri clinched the title for the second time.

Now Donnarumma believes his team has everything it needs to upset the odds once more and put together another serious charge toward the title.

"Some teams are undoubtedly very strong, like France and England, but we can have a say too," Donnarumma told the Euro 2024 media channel. "I think there are no favorites in a competition like this. There is everything to play for, so we will go there to have a say and get to the final.

"We will undoubtedly be ready for this big event, which is a unique competition and I (feel) lucky to win the last Euro. We are all here now to defend our title and try to do our best to get to the final."

[ Euro 2024 championship favorites: England on top ]

Since its emotional triumph at London's Wembley Stadium, Italy has dipped under the radar a little. It failed to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, incredibly coming unstuck 1-0 in a home playoff against massive underdog North Macedonia.

Its Euro 2024 qualifying campaign was underwhelming also, losing twice against England, managing only draws on the road to Ukraine and North Macedonia, and avoiding dropping into another playoff only on goal differential.

Head coach Luciano Spalletti does not have an array of superstars to choose from, though Nicolo Barella and Jorginho are midfielders with elite prowess, while Federico Chiesa and Gianluca Scamacca