The brightest stars of European athletics will meet in Rome, with the presence of 9 champions from the last World Championships in Budapest 2023 and 13 Olympic champions from Tokyo 2020. Some of the big names of the event are Italian runner and 'Bolt's heir', Marcell Jacobs, the Ukrainian Olympian in the high jump, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, Armand Duplantis, pole vault specialist, or the medallists, Dutch Femke Bol and Spanish triple jumper, Ana Peleteiro.

A taste of what to expect in Paris

Indeed, the European Championships in Rome will be an opportunity for continental athletes to fine-tune their fitness and compete against each other before the big Olympic event. For many, this event will serve as a test to measure their performance and adjust their strategies for Paris 2024.

The most anticipated events

The different disciplines of athletics will be present in the Boot, with special attention to the sprint, middle-distance, long-distance, jumping and throwing events.

Among the most anticipated competitions are the men's 100 metres, where an epic duel is expected between Jacobs and the British Zharnel Hughes; the women's high jump final, with Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh as the main favourite; and the men's 3,000 metres steeplechase, where the world and Olympic champion, the Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali, will seek to defend his title.

It is also worth remembering that Olympic champions from Tokyo 2020 will also be present at this European Championship, such as Pedro Pichardo (triple jump), Wojciech Nowicki (men's hammer throw), Malaika Mihambo (long jump) and Anita Wlodarczyk (women's hammer throw).

Little-known stories to keep an eye on

There are also a number of factors to keep an eye on over the coming days. Among the big news are the debuts with the Spanish national team of triple jumper Jordan Díaz, and javelin thrower Yulenmis Aguilar, both authorised by World Athletics to represent Spain.

Also, Swiss Roman Ehammer returns to Rome, as does Frenchman Kevin Mayer, a two-time Olympic silver medallist. Mayer hopes to win gold at his home Games, if he can first secure qualification in Rome.

Italy's Leonardo Fabbri, from the host country, is looking to become only the second European shot-putter in history to clear the 23m mark, having already cleared the 22m mark this season.

One of the most eye-catching icons of the championships will undoubtedly be the host country's charismatic Gianmarco Tamberi, who is looking to take the high jump Olympus once again.

Roadmap for the European Championships

• The event will kick off next Friday, June 7, with the 20 km women's race walk to open the ceremony; the same day, the discus throw, both men's and women's, will also be on view. The mixed 4x400m relay and the women's 5,000m will close the opening day.

• Saturday is one of the highlights of the European Championships, without a doubt. From the demanding 20km men's race walk to the final of the men's 100m, the most important event in athletics, spectators will be able to enjoy a host of top-level competitions. These include the men's long jump, the men's shot put and the women's discus, the women's heptathlon final, the 100m hurdles finals and the men's 5,000m final.

• Day three, Sunday, will kick off with the exciting men's and women's half marathon events. The athletes will then take over the track with the high jump and triple jump, while the men will compete in the hammer throw. The afternoon will be action-packed with the women's 3,000m steeplechase, the men's 800m, the women's 1,500m and, finally, the women's 100m.

• Monday will see the women's pole vault and women's hammer throw. Speed will then take centre stage with both the men's and women's 400m. The afternoon will see the men compete in the 3,000m steeplechase, while the men's 200m will close the day with an explosion of speed.

• Tuesday 11 will be marked by the men's high jump and men's triple jump. The action will then move to the hurdles with the men's and women's 400m hurdles. Endurance will be tested in the women's 10,000m, while the women's javelin throw will also take place. The afternoon will culminate with the final of the men's decathlon in the 1,500m and the women's 200m sprint.

• Wednesday, the final day, will begin with more jumping, this time with the men's pole vault and the women's long jump. Then, the relay events will take place with the women's and men's 4x400m. Individual sprints will return with the women's 800m, while the men will compete in the 10,000m. The afternoon will be full of excitement with the finals of the men's 1,500m, the women's 4x100m and the finale will be the men's 4x100m.

Spectacle for sports lovers

The 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome promise to be a top-class sporting spectacle. Athletics fans will have the opportunity to enjoy the best competitions on the European continent and witness some of the most important figures in this sport live. Without a doubt, an unmissable event for all those who are thrilled by the excitement of athletics.