Italy Six Nations issues will not go away even with a new coach
In our first of several previews leading up to the Six Nations, we look at the chances of Italy Six Nations, who finished last year in last position under Gonzalo Quesada. Rugby fans worldwide are called to book Six Nations 2024 tickets from our online platform ticketing. co. Rugby fans can book Italy Six Nations Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
Following yet another disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign, the Azzurri embark on a new chapter in their history as Quesada succeeds Kieran Crowley as head coach. Crowley ultimately fell short in his attempt to lead the side to the global showcase’s knockout rounds.
The Italians have been consistent underachievers in the Six Nations since their debut in the Championship back in 2000, so the new head coach has a difficult challenge ahead of them. It will be intriguing to see how they do under a new leader.
Last year
Italy concluded their 2022 campaign with a thrilling 22-21 victory over Wales in Cardiff. This victory was noteworthy because it put a stop to the Azzurri’s 36-match losing record in the Championship, which dated back to 2015. Italy was confident going into the 2023 Six Nations. When they went on to win their first-ever Test match against Australia (28–27) in a Florence end-of-year match later in 2022.
They demonstrated that their success over Wales was no fluke. Their performance against the reigning champions and 2022 Grand Slam winners. France was excellent to start the 2023 Six Nations campaign. They were eventually defeated by a tight margin of 29–24. This meant that they were anticipated to be far more competitive in the tournament.
After that, they travelled to Twickenham to play England. But they were unable to match the effort they had against Les Bleus and ultimately lost to their hosts 31–14. The Azzurri fought to equal the intensity levels of their opponents throughout the remainder of the competition, which followed a similar trend.
They faced eventual Grand Slam winners Ireland in Round Three, who prevailed 34–20. Italy’s next two games were against Scotland and Wales. Despite having a home-field advantage against the Welsh. They were unable to duplicate their 2022 heroics as Warren Gatland’s team exacted revenge with a 29-17 victory in Rome, while the Scots defeated them 26-14 at Murrayfield.
This year
Though the Azzurri’s players will be eager to please Quesada, they haven’t had a favourable draw and will only play two of their five Six Nations matches at home, so don’t expect them to pull any surprises in 2024. Rugby fans can book Italy Vs England Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
The England team, who are highly anticipated after their impressive performance at the Rugby World Cup, will be their opponent when they begin their Six Nations campaign at the Stadio Olimpico. However, Quesada, who is known for his tactical prowess, will welcome the chance to begin his reign as Azzurri with an unexpected victory.
Ireland and France have been the two dominant teams in the Six Nations in recent years. Italy’s next two games are against them. In all honesty, though, Quesada and his team will consider it a success if they can get extra points even though they lose.
Quesada will fancy his chances of pulling off an upset against Scotland in Rome in their Round Four match before their campaign ends in Cardiff against a youthful and inexperienced Wales team another match they will approach with some confidence, similar to their opening encounter against England.
Key players
Italy’s challenge will be largely determined by the playmakers they field. Players like Paolo Garbisi and Tommaso Allan are expected to spearhead the attack once more this year. As has been the case with the majority of their recent Six Nations campaigns. Garbisi, a pillar for Montpellier, is a true superstar who can breach even the toughest defences. If he wants the squad to win this year.
He will have to do just that every time. Meanwhile, with Garbisi in the lineup as the first-choice fly-half, Allan, who is also usually a number 10, saw plenty of action at the World Cup at full-back. This is mostly because of his outstanding goal-kicking ability. It will be interesting to watch if Quesada uses him in that capacity once more for the Six Nations.
Once he gets a head of steam on the attack. Ange Capuozzo should cause plenty of headaches for rival defenders somewhere in the backline. The 24-year-old is a versatile player who can play both full-back and wing. He has excellent footwork, lots of speed, and a sharp rugby mind. He is a real threat with the ball in hand since he can score tries for his teammates in addition to knowing how to get to the try line.
Italy will be counting on strikers like Federico Ruzza, Lorenzo Cannone, Sebastian Negri, and captain Michele Lamaro to spearhead the attack. The Benetton foursome is coming into the Six Nations off the strength of some outstanding club play that has seen the Treviso-based team move up to second place in the United Rugby Championship standings.
And earn a home match against the Lions in the Challenge Cup round of 16. Italy has the potential to surprise some teams in the Six Nations if they can maintain that level of performance.
Players to watch
Uncapped back-rower Ross Vintcent of the Exeter Chiefs, is a strong ball handler and dependable in defence. He is one player who will be desperate to seize his opportunity. The 21-year-old, who was born in South Africa, has excelled for Exeter Chiefs this season after playing for Italy’s U20 squad in 2021 and 2022.
In an uncapped Test match against Romania “A” in 2023, he also attracted attention from the Italy “A” team. Juan Ignacio Brex, a seasoned outside back for Benettion. He is another player who has shown promise recently both on the field for his country and professionally.
While the 31-year-old is most known for his exceptional defensive play. He also earned a name for himself as a ball carrier during the Six Nations last year and has since continued to excel in that capacity for Benetton in the URC and Challenge Cup. In the upcoming Six Nations, he will be eager to carry on in that vein.
Prospects
Now that they have a new head coach in place, there should be no shortage of optimism within the team. It will be interesting to watch how Quesada conducts himself in contrast to his predecessor, Crowley. He was known for playing ambitiously. It should be a difficult start for the new coach since it’s a big ask to come in and turn things around in only a few months. The sixth.
Fixtures
- Saturday, February 3 Italy vs England at Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Sunday, February 11 Italy vs Ireland at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Sunday, February 25 Italy vs France at Decathlon Arena, Lille
- Saturday, March 9 Italy vs Scotland at Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Saturday, March 16 Italy vs Wales at Principality Stadium, Cardiff
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