Azzurri

Azzurri is the Italian plural nickname meaning "the blues" and is used to refer to Italy's national sports teams, most prominently the Italy national football team. The term derives from the azure color of the team's home kit, a shade historically associated with Italy and the House of Savoy since the early 20th century. The name is used for teams across sports, with Gli Azzurri as a common spoken form in football.

The Italy national football team is controlled by the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC) and competes in major international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. Italy has won the FIFA World Cup four times (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006) and the European Championship once (1968). The team has reached several other finals and has produced a number of renowned players, including Giuseppe Meazza, Dino Zoff, Roberto Baggio, Paolo Maldini, and Gianluigi Buffon, among others, while notable coaches have shaped its long international lineage.

The Azzurri designation extends beyond football and is also used for other Italian national teams, including rugby union and basketball, reflecting a broader association with Italy's azure-colored uniforms. The nickname remains a prominent symbol of national sport and identity in Italy.