Italy participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. The Italian entry was selected through an internal selection with the artist being selected by a special committee from the participants of the Sanremo Music Festival 2013 and the song selection being carried out by the artist. Marco Mengoni represented Italy with the song "L'essenziale", which placed 7th and scored 126 points in the final.

On 24 January 2013, RAI confirmed that the performer that would represent Italy in Malmö would be announced during the final evening of Sanremo Music Festival 2013. The artist selection was exclusive from the actual Sanremo Music Festival competition and the results of that competition were not relevant to which artist would ultimately represent Italy. All competing artists in the competition were considered by a special committee formed to select the most suitable performer for Eurovision.

The competing artists were:

"Big Artists" Category:

"Newcomers" Category:

On 16 February 2013 during the final evening of the Sanremo Music Festival, presenters Fabio Fazio and Luciana Littizzetto announced that Marco Mengoni would represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. Mengoni also went on to win the Sanremo Music Festival 2013 with the song "L'essenziale".

On 18 March 2013, the song "L'essenziale" was announced as the Italian entry. The last time Italy sent the winner of the Sanremo Music Festival as their entry was in 1997.

As a member of the "Big Five", Italy automatically qualified for a place in the final, to be held on 18 May 2013. In addition to their participation in the final, Italy was assigned to vote in the first semi-final on 14 May 2013.

During the Italian delegation's press conference on 15 May, Italy was allocated to perform in the second half of the final. In the final, the producers of the show decided that Italy would perform 23rd, following Ukraine and preceding Norway. Italy placed 7th in the final and scored 126 points.

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