Italy seems to be closer returning to the Eurovision than it has never been since 1997 when they participated the first time, claims OGAE Italia. They have been bombarding RAI with letters, requests and newspapers all these years but now it looks like they have found a friend inside RAI, signora Nicoletta Iacobacci who is doing all she can to convince her bosses. A lot has changed since their last participation and most importantly now ESC does have two slots for advertising inside the 3 hour show. Also apparently EBU, who seems to be very willing to have Italy back, has promised Italy a place in BIG5 along with France, Germany, Spain and UK and therefor automatical place in the final. So it seems there is hope we will see Italy in Helsinki 2007. If Italy returns it will be interesting to see how EBU deals with the increasing number of countries as they have set the maximum to 40. Now that Austria has already confirmed they will return, Czech Republic and Georgia want to debut, Serbia AND Montenegro should be squeezed in... then there propably Hungary returning... Armienia must be happy they secured their place in the final so they can't be dropped out!
If and when Italy returns the question how to choose the song and/or the artist remains. Traditionally it has been linked to Sanremo Festival but not always. However times have changed, so has Eurovision when Sanremo hasn't. Personally I think Italy - if and when it returns - should choose internally someone up and coming or already more or less internationally known name like Giorgia, Elisa or Tiziano Ferro. (Besides, Giorgia and Elisa should have been there already and with songs that were top-3 material for sure!)
If and when Italy returns the question how to choose the song and/or the artist remains. Traditionally it has been linked to Sanremo Festival but not always. However times have changed, so has Eurovision when Sanremo hasn't. Personally I think Italy - if and when it returns - should choose internally someone up and coming or already more or less internationally known name like Giorgia, Elisa or Tiziano Ferro. (Besides, Giorgia and Elisa should have been there already and with songs that were top-3 material for sure!)
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