Italy has participated in all editions of the European Athletics Championships, held since the first edition of 1934 European Athletics Championships.

The men's marathon is a specialty, with five wins in the men's field (two each for the Olympic champions Gelindo Bordin and Stefano Baldini, plus that of Daniele Meucci) and two in the women's field with Maria Guida and Anna Incerti.

Pietro Mennea, Adolfo Consolini and Yemaneberhan Crippa, three times each, are the Blues with the most European titles, while in the women's field Messina Annarita Sidoti and Libania Grenot, with two victories each, hold this record.

In Stuttgart 1986 the Italian athletes achieved a historical undertaking by painting the entire podium of blue with Stefano Mei, Alberto Cova and Totò Antibo in the 10,000 meters, a result repeated in the marathon race in Budapest 1998 with Stefano Baldini, Danilo Goffi and Giacomo Modica.

Y Update to the new medals after doping disqualifications.