What is the draw?

The final tournament draw took place in Bologna on Friday 23 November.

Group A: Italy, Spain, Poland, Belgium
Group B: Germany, Denmark, Serbia, Austria
Group C: England, France, Romania, Croatia

Italy, holders Germany and England were in Pot 1, with Spain, Denmark and France in Pot 2. The other six teams comprised Pot 3.

How did the 12 contenders qualify?

Italy (hosts)
Croatia (Group 1 winners)
Spain (Group 2 winners)
Denmark (Group 3 winners)
England (Group 4 winners)
Germany (Group 5 winners, holders)
Belgium (Group 6 winners)
Serbia (Group 7 winners)
Romania (Group 8 winners)
France (Group 9 winners)
Poland (play-off winners)
Austria (play-off winners)

When are the finals?

The 2019 U21 EURO takes place 16–30 June, with matches organised as follows:

Group A: 16, 19, 22 June
Group B: 17, 20, 23 June
Group C: 18, 21, 24 June
Semi-finals: 27 June
Final: 30 June

Where is it being played?

The tournament is being held in Italy and San Marino. The venues will be:

Some games will take place in San Marino©Getty Images

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Bologna
Stadio Città del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia
Stadio Dino Manuzzi, Cesena
Stadio Nereo Rocco, Trieste
Stadio Friuli, Udine
San Marino Stadium, Serravalle

What is the format?

The four sides in each group face each other in a round-robin format, with the three group winners advancing to the semi-finals along with the best runner-up. It then becomes a knockout competition. Full explanation can be found in the regulations.

What is the link with the Olympics?

The finals serve as European qualifying for the 2020 Olympic football tournament, with the top four teams booking places in Japan.

Who are the recent winners?

2017: Germany
2015: Sweden
2013: Spain
2011: Spain
2009: Germany

What's Andrea Pirlo's role?

The Italy great is tournament ambassador, refamiliarising himself with a tournament he illuminated in 2000, playing a starring role as the Azzurrini triumphed in the Czech Republic. The man who inspired T-shirts embossed with the slogan 'Keep calm and pass the ball to Pirlo' went on to win two UEFA Champions League titles, a FIFA World Cup and 116 senior caps.