Italy to join running to host 2024 Olympic Games in Rome

A lack of funding amid a backdrop of financial crisis prompted Italian officials to shelve plans in 2012 to run for the staging of the 2020 Olympics, which was eventually awarded to Tokyo last year.

But Renzi confirmed on Monday his desire to help bring the sporting showpiece back to Rome, which last held the Games in 1960.

"The Italian government, together with CONI [Italian National Olympic Committee], is ready to do its part for a project that isn't based on great infrastructures or big dreams, but rather great people," Renzi said at the Italian Olympic Committee headquarters.

"We will be at the vanguard for all the spending controls.

"Our country too often seems hesitant. It's unacceptable not to try ... or to renounce playing the game.

"Italy has all it needs to face its problems. You can't not dream.

"The bid will obviously be centred on Rome. But it will also involve Florence, Naples and Sardinia.

"We're making this bid to win."

The deadline for bids to be submitted to the International Olympic Committee is September next year, with organisation set to make a final decision in 2017.