Italy

Italy won the inaugural Under-16 competition in 1982 yet have not claimed the trophy since, coming closest in 2013 when they lost on penalties to Russia in the final. This time the Azzurrini qualified with a game to spare from a tough elite round group, beating Ukraine and Slovakia before drawing 2-2 with Germany to advance as one of the seven best runners-up.

AC Milan supply the backbone of the side, with defender Andres Llamas, Italy's captain, striker Patrick Cutrone, their seven-goal top scorer, and midfielder Manuel Locatelli all key figures. "The boys were exceptional," coach Bruno Tedino said. "They have really shown how much they care about the Azzurri shirt."

Qualifying round: Armenia 3-0, Moldova 3-0, Iceland 1-1 (Group 3 winners)

Elite round: Ukraine 1-0, Slovakia 2-0, Germany 2-2 (Group 8 runners-up)

Team records

Qualifying top scorer
Patrick Cutrone: 7

UEFA European Under-17 Championship best
Runners-up: 2013

Coach: Bruno Tedino

Date of birth: 13 August 1964
Nationality: Italian
Playing career: N/A
Coaching career: AC San Donà, FC Treviso, Conegliano Calcio, Calcio Montebelluna, FC Unione Venezia, Novara Calcio, Pordenone Calcio, FC Südtirol-Alto Adige, US Pistoiese 1921, AC Sangiovannese 1927, US Città di Jesolo, Italy U16s, Italy U17s

Tedino replaced Daniele Zoratto in July 2014 following a year looking after the U16 squad. He was chosen for the role due to his experience of nurturing young players, including senior Italian internationals Manuel Pasqual and Marco Parolo. He was working in the Treviso youth set-up when Maurizio Viscidi – current vice-coordinator of the Italian national youth squads – was coaching the first team. "He called me to ask if I was interested in the job. Well, I was more than interested − this is the high point of my career," he said.