The years 1980 to the present saw an entirely new class of submarine enter the Italian Navy. These were the 4 ships of the NAZARIO SAURO Class. Diesel powered, they were the most technologically advanced submarines to have entered service in the Italian fleet up to that point. These 4 boats were the class leader:

NAZARIO SAURO
FECIA di COSSATO
LEONARDO da VINCI
GUGLIELMO MARCONI

Each vessel has a length of 210 feet and can carry 12 torpedoes or 24 mines. They can dive to 1,345 feet & can cruise for 6,080 miles. They have a surface speed of 11 knots and a submerged speed of 20 knots with a compliment of 45 men. their displacement is 1,455 tons surfaced; 1,630 tons submerged.