Italia Azzurra

Since the under-21 competition rules insist that players must be 21 or under at the start of a two year competition, technically it is an U-23 competition. For this reason, Italy's record in the preceding U-23 competitions is also shown.

• 1972: Did not qualify. Finished 2nd of 3 in qualification group.
• 1974: Losing quarter-finalists.
• 1976: Did not qualify. Finished 2nd of 3 in qualification group.

• 1976-1978: Losing quarter-finalists.
• 1978-1980: Losing quarter-finalists.
• 1980-1982: Losing quarter-finalists.
• 1982-1984: Losing semi-finalists.
• 1984-1986: Runners-up.
• 1986-1988: Losing quarter-finalists.
• 1988-1990: Losing semi-finalists.
• 1990-1992: Winners.
• 1992-1994: Winners.
• 1994-1996: Winners.
• 1996-1998: Did not qualify. Finished 3rd of 5 in qualification group.
• 1998-2000: Winners.
• 2000-2002: Losing semi-finalists.
• 2002-2004: Winners.
• 2004-2006: Finished 3rd of 4 in finals group.
• 2006-2007: Finished 5th by winning Olympic qualification play-off.
• 2007-2009: ongoing

Since 1992 Olympics football changed to U-23 event, and the European U-21 teams, technically is a U-23 teams. The winner, runner-up and third place of UEFA U-21 Championship qualify for Olympics.

• Before 1992: See Italy national football team
• 1992: Losing quarter-finalists
• 1996: Finished 4th of 4 in finals group
• 2000: Losing quarter-finalists
• 2004: Bronze Medal
• 2008: Losing quarter-finalists

Mediterranean Games Football tournament was U-23 event in 1993 and 1997.

• 1993: 4th place
• 1997: Winners
• 2001 and 2005: a U-20 and U-18 event