Italy | |
---|---|
Member station | RAI |
National selection events |
Internal Selection
|
Appearances | |
Appearances | 42 |
First appearance | 1956 |
Best result | 1st: 1964, 1990 |
Worst result | Last: 1966 Nul points: 1966 |
External links | |
Italy official website RAI for ESC | |
Italy's page at Eurovision.tv | |
For the most recent participation see Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 |
Italy has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 42 times since making its debut at the first contest in 1956. It was one of only seven countries that competed at the very first contest. Italy competed at the contest frequently until 1997. After a fourteen-year absence, the country competed in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. Italy has won the contest twice.
In 1958, Domenico Modugno finished third with the song "Nel blu, dipinto di blu". Renamed "Volare", the song became a huge international hit, reaching the US number one spot. Emilio Pericoli also finished third in 1963, before Italy won for the first time in 1964 with Gigliola Cinquetti and "Non ho l'età". Cinquetti returned to the contest in 1974 and finished second with the song "Si", losing to ABBA. Italy then finished third in 1975 with Wess and Dori Ghezzi and the song "Era". The country's best result of the 1980s was Umberto Tozzi and Raf finishing third in 1987. Italy's second victory in the contest came in 1990 with Toto Cutugno and the song "Insieme: 1992". Other good 1990s results were Mia Martini in 1992 and Jalisse in 1997, who both finished fourth. After 1997, Italy withdrew from the competition.