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In this series of posts, we take a deeper look at the history of Big-5 countries; the countries that automatically qualify to the final!

Italy

Italy debuted in the contest in 1956, being one of the first 7 countries. Since then, it has participated 45 times, missing the event a couple of times – 1981, 1982, 1986, 1994-1996 and 1998-2010 – without any specific explanation.

The country is part of the “Big 5”, so its prequalified to the grand final. The country has topped the scoreboard on 2 contests (1964 and 1990) and placed in the Top-10 33 times! The country’s most popular entry is Domenico Modugno’s 1958 “Nel blu, dipinto di blu” (Volare), which placed 3rd in the contest. Its worst result came in 2014 when it finished 21 with 33 points. The country has also placed last in 1966 with no points at all. Ironically, it was Domenico Modugno’s second attempt in the contest.

Italy As A Prequalified Country

The first semifinal of Eurovision took place in 2004. Italy didn’t participated that year in the contest. In 2011, the country returned to Eurovision participating directly to the final among with France, Spain, Germany and United Kingdom. Italy placed 2nd in a field of 25. Since then the country is placing in the Top-10 except of 2014 and 2016. Is noteworthy that in 2019, the country placed once again second.

Since the introduction of the semifinals, Italy has finished on the left side of the scoreboard more easily than any other Big-5 country!

Italy In 2020

This year Italy was going to be represented by Diodato with the song “Fai Rumore”. Italy hasn’t announced yet its 2021 Eurovision plans.

What do you think about Italy in Eurovision? What is your favourite Big-5 country in the contest? Let us know on the comment box below!