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Eurovision, how many times does Italy have? The list of singers

Written by Andrew Navarro
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THEItaly participated for the first time inEuro Vision Song Contest in 1956, the year in which the first edition was held in Lugano. Since then it has had a fluctuating path between absences, returns and great successes. Despite fierce competition and a formula that often favored international rather than national musical tastes, they were three Italian victories in the history of the festival. A small number compared to other historical nations, but each of them has had a strong cultural and musical impact.

Many people also contributed to the Italian popularity in the contest notable placements, recognizable artists and songs that have become iconic. Since 2011, Italy has resumed regular participation, rightfully being included among the Big five, the five nations that directly access the final together with the host country.

Who were the three Italian winners of Eurovision?

Each Italian victory has told a different piece of our musical history. From the intimate tones of the first winner, to the European dimension of unity up to contemporary rock, Italy has shown a great variety of styles.

  • 1964 – Gigliola Cinquetti with “I'm Not Old Enough (to Love You)”
    The first Italian victory comes thanks to a very young voice that embodies sweetness and modesty. Gigliola Cinquetti, just sixteen years old, conquers Europe with a delicate ballad that has made a school.
  • 1990 – Toto Cutugno with “Together: 1992”
    In a historical moment marked by a strong desire for European unity, Toto Cutugno proposes a song that looks to the future. “Insieme: 1992” slightly anticipates the birth of the European Union and becomes a hymn to brotherhood between peoples.
  • 2021 – Måneskin with “Zitti e Buoni”
    After more than thirty years, Italy returns to the top step with a Roman rock group that has won over audiences and critics. Måneskin's victory had an international reach, pushing the group to the top of the world charts.

Where did the editions won by Italy take place?

The three Italian victories also had an organizational impact: according to the rules, whoever wins hosts the next edition. This has not always happened, but on two occasions Italy has done the honors.

  • 1965 – Naples
    After Gigliola Cinquetti's victory, Italy hosted the tenth edition of the contest in Naples, at the Palazzo dello Sport.
  • 1991 Rome
    After Cutugno's triumph, Italy chose Rome as the venue, with an edition marked by several technical and linguistic difficulties, but still historic.
  • 2022 – Turin
    Following the victory of Måneskin, it was Turin's turn to host the 2022 edition, with a notable media and tourist impact for the city.

Ranking of Italian victories at Eurovision

Here is a brief list of Italian victories in the contest:

  • 1964 – Gigliola Cinquetti – “I'm not old enough (to love you)”
  • 1990 – Toto Cutugno – “Together: 1992”
  • 2021 – Måneskin – “Quiet and Good”

What is Italy's future at Eurovision?

In 2025, Italy participates with Lucio Corsi, Tuscan singer-songwriter with an original style, who presents the song “I wanted to be tough”. His presence is already a guarantee of visibility, since Italy is directly qualified for the final as one of the Big Five. The challenge will be to to win the hearts of the European public again, in a competition increasingly attentive to live performances and artistic identity.

With a strong musical tradition and an audience that passionately follows the festival, Italy has all the credentials to aim for the fourth win.

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