Italy expressed disappointment Friday as their bid to host Euro 2016 didn't go past a first voting round and ruling body UEFA chose France over Turkey in Geneva, according to dpa. Italy faced a second straight thumbs down after Poland and Ukraine in 2007 were picked to jointly host Euro 2012. According to Repubblica.it, Giancarlo Abete, the president of Italian football federation (FIGC), said he was disappointed about the vote and the behaviour of Michel Platini, UEFA's French president, who had introduced the body's executive committee to French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Abete said the Italian and Turkish delegations did not receive the same attention. Beside Abete, Italy was represented by government undersecretary Rocco Crimi and former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini. A discouraging sign for Italy's bid came earlier this month from an evaluation report of the ruling body. UEFA pointed out inadequacies regarding investment on Italian stadiums, the situation of airports and transport in general, plus recurring problems with strikes. Italy hosted the European Championship in 1968, when they won, and 1980.
