Behind the scenes though, Italian football federation officials have been touring Europe trying to garner support from other associations in the face of competition from France and Turkey.
A final big push for Friday's vote in Geneva will also involve former Italy and AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini, one of the most respected figures in the game, as bid ambassador.
Much soul-searching followed with Italy's ageing stadiums, mostly unchanged since the 1990 World Cup, and problems with fan violence being blamed for the defeat. Trying to resolve these issues has been fundamental to the work on the 2016 bid.
A new law going through Italy's parliament is designed to make it easier for new stadiums to be built while a crackdown on domestic football violence has been largely successful with better stewarding enforced.
"France and Turkey have had examples of violence this season linked to football, indeed with a death in France and one in Turkey," Italian bid director Michele Uva told reporters.
"Our bid is strong as it is about infrastructure and the great welcome of the Italian people which would make Euro 2016 unforgettable."
Rome's Stadio Olimpico, which hosted the 2009 Champions League final and also holds 80,000, would hold the Euro 2016 final.
