Italy Want To Host Euro 2016

The Italian Federal Council has begun to make enquiries with UEFA about hosting the European Championships in 2016. After missing out on Euro 2012 to Poland and Ukraine, the Italians are keen to host a major tournament, and they will apply to European football's governing body. Il Corriere Dello Sport claims Italian authorities have already made plans and will present their intentions directly to UEFA. It will not be an official application for their candidacy, but more of a procedure to get the ball rolling towards a formal request to host the tournament. The 2016 tournament will have 24 teams involved for the first time, but UEFA have changed the procedure on how to apply for the relevant would-be host nations. Those interested will need to present their ideas to the organisation by the end of March 2009. UEFA will then evaluate the plans. Those who do not meet the guidelines will be rejected. The countries who pass this form of means testing will then be asked by UEFA to submit their official application to host the tournament. It is still early days, but Italy have made their intentions clear and they are likely to take their interest further.