Italy national rugby union team explained

Italy national rugby union team should not be confused with Italy national rugby league team.

Italy
Nickname:Gli Azzurri (The Blues)
Italrugby
Badge:Italian Rugby Federation logo.svg
Badge Size:160px
Union:Italian Rugby Federation
Coach:Gonzalo Quesada
Captain:Michele Lamaro
Most Caps:Sergio Parisse (142)
Top Scorer:Diego Domínguez (983)
Top Try Scorer:Marcello Cuttitta (26)
Home Stadium:Stadio Olimpico
Pattern La1:_Italy21h
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Pattern Sh1:_2021_rugby_italyh
Leftarm1:2349B0
Body1:2349B0
Rightarm1:2349B0
Shorts1:FFFFFF
Socks1:2349B0
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World Rugby Rank:8
World Rugby Rank Date:15 July 2024
World Rugby Max:8
World Rugby Max Year:2007, 2024
World Rugby Min:15
World Rugby Min Year:2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
First Game: 9–0
(Barcelona, Spain; 20 May 1929)
Largest Win: 104–8
(Viadana, Italy, 18 May 1994)
Largest Loss: 101–0
(Durban, South Africa, 19 June 1999)
World Cup Apps:10
World Cup First:1987
World Cup Best:Pool stage (1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023)
Website:federugby.it

The Italy national rugby union team (Italian: nazionale di rugby a 15 dell'Italia) represents the Italian Rugby Federation in men's international rugby union. The team is known as gli Azzurri (the light-blues). Savoy blue is the common colour of the national teams representing Italy, as it is the traditional colour of the royal House of Savoy which reigned over the Kingdom of Italy from 1860 to 1946.

Italy has played international rugby since 1929, and for decades was considered one of the best European teams outside the Five Nations Championship. Since 2000, Italy has competed annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In 2013, they were holders of the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy which is played annually between Italy and France. Italy is ranked 8th in the world by the IRB as of the 15th of July 2024.

Italian rugby rose to prominence in 2000 when it was added to the Five Nations, creating the Six Nations. Initially on the receiving end of some heavy defeats, the side grew in competitiveness, recording a fourth-place finish in 2007 and 2013, and one-sided defeats became less frequent. The Azzurri showed respectable results when playing at home in the early 2010s: they defeated France 22–21 in the 2011 Six Nations; and during the 2013 Six Nations, they again beat France 23–18,[1] also defeating Ireland 22–15.[2] Until 19 March 2022, Italy had not won a Six Nations game since beating Scotland in 2015. However Edoardo Padovani scored a last minute try against Wales, to earn Italy their first win in 36 games, as well as their first away win against Wales and third away win in the tournament.

Italy have competed at every Rugby World Cup since the first tournament in 1987, where Italy played the inaugural game against New Zealand, but they are yet to progress beyond the first round. The team has developed a reputation for being a consistent middle man at the tournament. Italy's results, since the inception of a new group stage formula in 2003, have consistently followed a pattern of two wins against Tier 2 teams and two losses against Tier 1 ones (although in 2019, the match against New Zealand was cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis and a draw was awarded as result). The current head coach is Gonzalo Quesada and the captain is currently Michele Lamaro.[3]

History

See also: Rugby union in Italy.

Early history: 1911–34

The first match played by an Italian XV was in 1911 between US Milanese and Voiron of France. On 25 July of the same year the "Propaganda Committee" was formed which in 1928 became the Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR) (Italian Rugby Federation).

In May 1929, Italy played their first international losing 0–9 against Spain in Barcelona. In 1934, Italy was one of the founder members of FIRA, today's Rugby Europe; the others were France, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Catalonia, Romania, Holland and Germany.[4]

1945–85

World War II meant a hiatus for Italian rugby union, as it did in other rugby-playing nations. Post-war, there was a desire to return to normal and Italian rugby union entered a new dimension thanks to the help of Allied troops in Italy.

In the 1970s and 1980s rugby union made enormous progress thanks to great foreign players (John Kirwan, Naas Botha, David Campese, Michael Lynagh) and coaches (Julien Saby, Roy Bish, Greenwood, Nelie Smith) in the Italian championship. Even foreign coaches were and continue to be chosen for the national team, like Bertrande Fourcade and Georges Coste. In 1973, the national team went on a tour of South Africa, coached by ex-Springbok prop Amos Du Plooey. Tours of England and Scotland followed, as well as games against Australia and New Zealand, the masters of their day. In 1978, Italy first played Argentina at Rovigo, winning 19–6.

1986–99

Since the mid-1980s, Italy had been pursuing the ambition of playing in an expanded Five Nations Championship. Consistently winning against nations that now play in the European Nations Cup (Romania, Spain, Georgia, etc.), and good results against the major nations such as France, Scotland, Wales and Ireland meant that they were often talked as strong candidates.[5]

In 1986, Italy hosted an England XV squad in Rome, drawing 15–15. The Azzurri took part in the first-ever Rugby World Cup match against New Zealand on 22 May 1987. The match proved a one-sided affair with New Zealand convincing 70–6 winners against a young Italy side. John Kirwan, later to become the Italy national coach, scored one of the tournament's greatest-ever tries for the All Blacks. Italy beat Fiji but lost to Argentina and finished third in their pool, failing to make the finals. In 1988, they played Ireland for the first time.

At the 1991 World Cup, Italy were grouped in a tough pool with the likes of England and the All Blacks. They lost both of these games but beat the USA. Italy first played Wales in 1994. At the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, Italy came close to beating England; losing 20–27, but recovered to beat Argentina. They finished third in their pool again below England and Western Samoa, but above the Argentines.

The late 1990s saw the Italians build a formidable side and record Test victories over Five Nations opposition. In 1996, a deal between British Sky Broadcasting and the Rugby Football Union meant that England home games were exclusively shown on Sky. England were threatened with being expelled from the Five Nations to be replaced by Italy. This threat was never carried out as a deal was worked out.

In 1996, Italy toured England, Wales and for the first time Scotland, losing all matches. The team recorded two consecutive victories over Ireland in 1997; 37–29 on 4 January, at Lansdowne Road, and 37–22 on 20 December, in Bologna.[6] On 22 March 1997 they recorded their first win over France, 40–32, (in Grenoble). In January 1998, Scotland were the victims with Italy winning 25–21 (in Treviso); in the same year in the Rugby World Cup Qualifiers, they narrowly lost 15–23 against England at Huddersfield, but they argued for a try by Alessandro Troncon disallowed by the referee.[7]

At the 1999 World Cup, Italy were drawn with New Zealand for the third time and lost again. They did not win a single pool match and went home before the knock-out stage.[8]

Six Nations era: 2000–present

Italy finally joined the Six Nations Championship in 2000 but their admission coincided with the departure of some of their best players. Nevertheless, they won their opening game against the reigning champions Scotland 34–20. Thereafter they struggled to compete against the other nations and their participation was called into question. The 2001 and 2002 tournaments were particularly disappointing as they did not win a single game. Coach Brad Johnstone was sacked in 2002 after an alleged show of 'player power'.

John Kirwan was then appointed coach. They managed to win their second Six Nations game in 2003, a 30–22 victory over Wales, thus avoiding the wooden spoon. They followed up by winning two games at the World Cup, another first. The tournament was, however, ultimately disappointing as the Welsh gained revenge with a 27–15 success. This, coupled with defeat against New Zealand, that meant that Italy were the only Six Nations country not to advance to the knock-out stage. Their third Six Nations win came against Scotland in 2004.

Italy, along with other nations, had made good use of IRB rules which allowed them to select foreign-born players if they had Italian ancestry or had lived in Italy for a qualifying period of three years. From 2004 they announced that they would only pick three such 'non-Italians' per team in order to develop their own domestic players.

In the 2005 Six Nations Italy finished bottom of the table again and failed to win a single game. Kirwan was sacked and replaced with Pierre Berbizier. Italy then went on a tour of Argentina where they surprised many by beating the Pumas 30–29 and drawing the series 1–1 (the only 2005 victory of a Northern Hemisphere team visiting a Southern Hemisphere team). However, the Pumas had their revenge when they visited Genoa and beat Italy 39–22.

In the 2006 Six Nations Championship Italy performed strongly against every team, leading against both England and France in the first half, but lost their first three games. They did, however, get a creditable 18–18 draw away to Wales, their first away point in the tournament, and were unlucky not to draw with Scotland in Rome in the final game, losing 10–13 courtesy of a late Scottish penalty.In the 2007 Six Nations Championship, Italy started poorly, losing to France 3–39. However, Italy's performance improved, and they held England to a 20–7 result at Twickenham. Italy followed with a stunning start to their match at Murrayfield against Scotland, scoring three quick tries to give Italy a 21–0 lead after seven minutes, and the Azzurri went on to a 37–17 victory; their first-ever away win in the Six Nations. Italy's next match was against Wales in Rome, with Italy winning 23–20, for their first consecutive victories in the competition and help them achieve their highest-ever position in the competition. The domestic interest in rugby reached new heights with Italy's new success front page media coverage and the sport being held up as a model of fair play.[9] Media and public interest in the national team was very high during the side's newfound success and on the final day a win could have seen them win their first ever six nations tournament,[9] despite losing their last game to Ireland. 10,000 fans later greeted the national team at Rome's Piazza del Popolo.[9]

The 2008 Six Nations Championship saw Italy again finish in last place, albeit by only a three-point margin. They took part in close matches against Ireland, Wales England and France respectively and managed a sole victory, defeating Scotland 23–20 in Rome in the last round of matches.[10] In the summer tests they lost to South Africa but again managed to surprise 3rd ranked Argentina with a 13–12 victory. At the 2008 end of year tour Italy pushed the Wallabies in their clash in Padova, but the Australians eventually went on to win 30–20. A week later Italy were defeated by Argentina, 14–22.

Italy's 2009 Six Nations campaign was ill-fated almost from the beginning, with both scrum-halves ruled out of the competition before a ball was kicked, and a third alternative ruled out of the opener at England due to injury. Head coach Nick Mallett tried flanker Mauro Bergamasco at scrum-half. Mallett's gamble failed in epic fashion, with Bergamasco's mistakes leading to three England tries before he was replaced at half-time; England went on to win 36–11.[11] In week two Italy also put in a poor performance against Ireland losing 9–38.[12] The two poor performances were followed by another loss to Scotland. The Azzurri were competitive in their 15–20 loss at the Flaminio to a Wales side resting many of its key players for the championship decider against Ireland the next week.[13] Italy finished in last place for the second straight year after losing to France on the final weekend of the tournament.

In the 2010 Six Nations Championship, Italy were well beaten by Ireland 11–29 before narrowly losing to England and defeating Scotland.[14] [15] Italy were defeated in their last two matches against France and Wales.[16] Italy finished the 2011 Six Nations with a 1–4 record. In the opening match of the 2011 Six Nations, Italy was beaten by Ireland 11–13 at home, with Ireland scoring a drop goal less than two minutes before the final whistle. The Azzurri claimed a 22–21 home victory over the reigning Six Nations champions, France, gaining Italy's first win over France in a Six Nations game.[17] At the final whistle, the English language commentator declared it the greatest win in Italian rugby history thus far.

Italy finished the 2012 Six Nations in fifth place with a 1–4 record, following a 13–6 win over Scotland before over 72,000 fans at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Italy's 15–19 loss to England was their smallest margin of defeat. The championship also saw Italy lose to Wales, Ireland and France.[18]

Italy played three matches in the 2012 November internationals, losing two and winning one. Italy lost to New Zealand and Australia 19–22, with Italian fly half Luciano Orquera missing a penalty in the last minute which would have secured Italy's first draw against Australia.[19] Italy did manage a win in the series, beating Tonga 28–23.[20]

Italy gained their second Six Nations win over France when they beat them 23–18 on their opening match of the 2013 Six Nations Championship.[21] Three defeats by Scotland, Wales and England followed.[22] On their final game of the championship Italy won against Ireland 22–15 for the first time in a Six Nations match in front of 75,000 fans at the Stadio Olimpico.[23] [24] Overall Italy finished fourth,[25] behind Scotland in third on points difference, to make it one of their most successful Six Nations.[26] In November 2013, Italy hosted Australia at Turin for a 20–50 loss, then defeated Fiji 37–31 at Cremona and was defeated by Argentina 14–19 at Rome.

Italy were whitewashed at the 2014 Six Nations Championship, including a 20–21 home loss to Scotland, a 7–46 loss to Ireland and an 11–52 loss to England. In June the team made an Asia-Pacific tour, where they were defeated by Fiji, Japan and Samoa. In November they scored a home win to Samoa, a two-point loss to Argentina and another loss to South Africa.

In the 2015 Six Nations Championship, Italy took a 22–19 away win over Scotland to avoid the wooden spoon, but suffered heavy home losses to France and Wales. At the 2015 Rugby World Cup, they defeated Romania and Canada but lost to Ireland and France, repeating their performance of the previous three editions.

After another poor performance in 2016, losing all their Six Nations matches, Italy hired former Ireland international and Harlequin F.C. coach Conor O'Shea to coach the team; with him they also hired IRFU developmental director Stephen Aboud to direct youth programs aimed at strengthening the level of rugby in the country.[27] In June, Italy lost to Argentina and won over the United States and Canada. On 19 November, Italy achieved a famous upset victory by defeating South Africa 20–18 which was Italy's first win against the Springboks in 13 attempts at Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence.[28] This victory also marked their first win over one of the three big Southern Hemisphere nations (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa).

Italy lost all their matches in the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Six Nations tournaments.

Finally in their final match of the 2022 Six Nations Championship Italy earned an historic victory over Wales snapping a 36 match losing streak.[29] They scored a try in the 80th minute with the conversion the final act in the match to win by 22–21 at the Principality Stadium on 19 March 2022.[29]

During the autumn tour in November 2022, Italy claimed 2 victories over 3 matches, defeating both Samoa and Australia (28-27), claiming their first ever victory over the Wallabies.

Italy put in a fine performance in the 2024 Six Nations Championship, pulling off a remarkable 13–13 draw away from home against France in round three.[30] Italy narrowly missed out on victory when Paolo Garbisi's penalty hit the post after the ball had accidentally fallen off the kicking tee.[30] The following round, Italy beat Scotland 31–29.[31] This was Italy's first victory against Scotland in nine years. The 2024 campaign was Italy's best performance since the 2013 tournament during which they won two matches, against the French and then the Irish. Italy rounded off their tournament with a victory over Wales (24-21), as they did 2 years ago, and for the first time since 2015 avoided last place at the expense of their victim of the day, who inherited the wooden spoon. The win also represents the Italians' 4th away victory in the history of the competition, the 2nd time at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, but above all it gives Gonzalo Quesada's men their best result since the integration of Italy 24 years earlier (2 wins and a draw for only 2 defeats).

Wins against 'tier-one' teams

Wins against Tier 1 nations have included:[32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37]

DateHomeScoreAwayPlaceCompetition
24 October 197819–6Stadio Mario Battaglini, Rovigo1978 Argentina tour of Great Britain, Ireland and Italy
6 May 199522–12Stadio comunale di Monigo, Treviso1995 Ireland tour of Italy
4 June 199525–31Buffalo City Stadium, South Africa1995 Rugby World Cup
3 January 199729–37Lansdowne Road, Dublin1997 Italy tour of Ireland
22 March 199732–40Stade Lesdiguières, Grenoble1995–1997 FIRA Trophy
20 December 199737–22Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Bologna1997 Ireland tour of Italy
24 January 199825–21Stadio comunale di Monigo, Treviso1998 Scotland tour of Italy
7 November 199823–19Stadio Comunale Beltrametti, Piacenza1998 Argentina tour of Europe
5 February 200034–20Stadio Flaminio, Rome2000 Six Nations Championship
15 February 200330–22Stadio Flaminio, Rome2003 Six Nations Championship
6 March 200420–14Stadio Flaminio, Rome2004 Six Nations Championship
11 June 200529–30Estadio Olímpico, Córdoba2005 Italy tour of Argentina
24 February 200717–37Murrayfield, Edinburgh2007 Six Nations Championship
10 March 200723–20Stadio Flaminio, Rome2007 Six Nations Championship
15 March 200823–20Stadio Flaminio, Rome2008 Six Nations Championship
28 June 200812–13Estadio Olímpico, Córdoba2008 Italy tour of Argentina and South Africa
27 February 201016–12Stadio Flaminio, Rome2010 Six Nations Championship
12 March 201122–21Stadio Flaminio, Rome2011 Six Nations Championship
17 March 201213–6Stadio Olimpico, Rome2012 Six Nations Championship
3 February 201323–18Stadio Olimpico, Rome2013 Six Nations Championship
16 March 201322-15Stadio Olimpico, Rome2013 Six Nations Championship
28 February 201519–22Murrayfield, Edinburgh2015 Six Nations Championship
19 November 201620–18Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence2016 Autumn International
19 March 202221–22Millennium Stadium, Cardiff2022 Six Nations Championship
12 November 202228–27Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence2022 Autumn International
26 August 202342–21Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso2023 Rugby World Cup warm-up match
9 March 202431–29Stadio Olimpico, Rome2024 Six Nations Championship
16 March 202421–24Millennium Stadium, Cardiff2024 Six Nations Championship
21 July 202414–42Sapporo Dome, Sapporo2024 Summer International
Furthermore, Italy drew 18–18 with Argentina in Lourdes, France on 22 October 1997, 18–18 with Wales in Cardiff on 11 March 2006, and 13–13 with France in Villeneuve d'Ascq on 25 February 2024.

Stadium and attendance

Before joining the Six Nations in 2000 Italy did not have a set stadium and played their home matches in various stadiums around Italy. From 2000 to 2011 Italy played all of their home Six Nations matches at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome. The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) announced, in January 2010, that the stadium would undergo an expansion, that will increase its capacity to 42,000.[38] Continued delays to the start of construction meant that the revamp could not be completed in time for the 2012 Six Nations so all of Italy's home Six Nations games were moved to the Stadio Olimpico, also in Rome.[39] The expansion of the Stadio Flaminio was originally promised to be complete by 2014. It was planned that upon completion of the renovation, the team would move back to the Stadio Flaminio,[40] however little was achieved and as of September 2016 the stadium was still in a state of abandoned disrepair.[41] More Italians are attending rugby union games and whereas before most of the fans at the Stadio Flaminio were away fans. Since moving to the Stadio Olimpico attendances have increased by huge numbers.[42] Italy has drawn large crowds since 2008, particularly for Six Nations matches and for matches against New Zealand:

+ Highest attended home matches
Rank Attendance Opponent Date Venue
1 80,074 New Zealand 14 November 2009 San Siro (Milan)
2 80,054 Ireland 16 March 2013 Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
3 73,526 Wales 23 February 2013 Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
4 73,000 New Zealand 17 November 2012 Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
5 72,354 Scotland 17 March 2012 Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
6 71,257 England 15 March 2014 Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
7 70,000 England 14 February 2016 Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
8 69,869 Scotland 9 March 2024 Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
9 69,800 Scotland 9 March 2024 Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
10 67,529 France 3 February 2013 Stadio Olimpico (Rome)

Strip

Italy traditionally plays in blue jerseys, white shorts and blue stockings at home. Its away uniform consists of a uniform with the inverted colours. Both uniforms have on the chest the Scudetto, even if until the 1990s the non-test Italian teams had the coat of arms of the Maritime republics on the jersey.

PeriodKit manufacturerShirt sponsor
1981–1989AdidasNone
1990–1993Lotto[43]
1991 Rugby World Cup
1993–1995Gilbert[44]
1995 Rugby World Cup
1996–1997Reebok
1997 European Nations Cup
1998–1999None
1999Cotton Oxford
2000 Six Nations – 2000 mid-year internationalsCanterburyAlliance UniChem
2000 end-of-year internationals – 2002 mid-year internationalsKappa
2002 end-of-year internationals – 2006 end-of-year internationalsJaguar
2007 Six Nations championship – 2012 mid-year internationalsCariparma
2012 end-of-year internationals – 2017 mid-year internationalsAdidas
2017 end-of-year internationals – 2018 mid-year internationalsMacron
2018 end-of-year internationals – 2021 end-of-year-internationalsCattolica Assicurazioni
2021 end-of-year internationals –Suzuki
2022 Six Nations Tournament –Bitpanda
2022 end-of-year internationalsVittoria Assicurazioni

Awards

Competition Total
Olympic Games0 0 0 0
Rugby World Cup0 0 0 0
European Nations Cup1 9 8 18
Total 1 9 8 18

Record

Overall

Below is a table of the representative rugby matches played by an Italy national XV at test level up until 23 July 2024.

OpponentPlayedWonLostDrawnWin %ForAgaDiff
5 17 1 21.74% 399 594 −195
191 18 0 5.26% 279 658 −379
0 2 0 0.00% 36 75 −39
2 2 0 0 100.00% 75 0 +75
1 0 1 0 0.00% 12 25 −13
1 1 0 0 100.00% 17 0 +17
10 8 2 0 80% 294 135 +159
2 1 0 1 50% 10 8 +2
1 0 1 0 0.00% 6 15 −9
1 1 0 0 100.00% 76 11 +65
1 1 0 0 100.00% 104 8 +96
12 10 1 1 83.33% 266 62 +204
0 31 0 0.00% 380 1,224 −844
0 0 1 0.00% 15 15 +0
England B 1 0 1 0 0.00% 9 21 −12
England U23 3 1 1 1 33.33% 31 42 −11
126 6 0 50.00% 282 275 +7
3 45 1 % 572 1,528 −956
1 28 1 3.33% 289 751 −462
France Espoirs 1 0 1 0 0.00% 18 21 −3
32 1 0 66.67% 78 67 +11
6 2 4 0 33.33% 27 54 −27
4 33 0 % 538 1,332 −794
10 8 2 0 % 325 181 +144
3 2 1 0 66.66% 55 46 +9
2 2 0 0 100.00% 26 15 +11
1 0 1 0 0.00% 12 28 −16
8 6 2 0 75.00% 184 52 +132
1 0 1 0 0.00% 24 28 −4
5 3 2 0 60.00% 174 104 +70
1 0 1 0 0.00% 3 23 −20
4 4 0 0 100.00% 178 27 +151
0 16 0 0.00% 157 963 −806
0 1 0 0.00% 12 18 −6
1 0 1 0 0.00% 13 30 −17
1 0 1 0 0.00% 12 31 −19
1 0 1 0 0.00% 11 12 −1
1 0 1 0 0.00% 6 30 −24
1 0 1 0 0.00% 17 25 −8
7 6 1 0 85.71% 165 49 +116
13 11 1 1 84.62% 371 102 +269
44 25 16 3 56.81% 711 654 +57
5 5 0 0 100.00% 283 76 +207
9 3 6 0 % 183 225 −42
9 28 0 24.32% 622 959 −337
3 1 2 0 33.33% 51 55 −4
3 3 0 0 100.00% 60 22 +38
1 15 0 6.25% 195 764 −569
14 4 9 1 28.57% 171 165 +6
27 23 3 1 85.19% 581 187 +394
1 0 1 0 0.00% 12 39 −27
1 0 1 0 0.00% 7 16 −9
6 4 2 0 % 190 96 +94
3 3 0 0 100.00% 60 19 +41
5 5 0 0 100.00% 154 74 +80
5 5 0 0 100.00% 147 52 +95
4 28 1 % 524 1,111 −587
14 13 0 1 92.86% 226 69 +157
3 3 0 0 100.00% 70 25 +45
Total 555 202 338 15 % 9,805 13,293 –3,488

Six Nations

Italy entered the International Championship in 2000 when it became the Six Nations, and made a positive start by winning their debut match 34–20 against Scotland. They finished fifth in 2003 above Wales in the final standings, having defeated them 30–22, and were again fifth the following year above Scotland, after beating them 20–14. In 2006, Italy drew with Wales 18–18 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Italy's first three Six Nations match victories, in 2000, 2003, and 2004, had been in front of a home crowd at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome. However, on 24 February 2007, they defeated Scotland 37–17 at Murrayfield for their first away win in the competition. Two weeks later, they defeated Wales for the second time, 23–20 back in Rome. This was the first time that Italy had won two of their five games in the championship, and they finished the 2007 Six Nations Championship in fourth place.

Italy won the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy for the first time in 2011 with a close-fought 22–21 victory over France. Two years later, they lifted the trophy for a second time by defeating France 23–18. Italy also recorded a first Six Nations victory over Ireland in 2013, beating them 22–15, and equalling their best finish of fourth place in the final standings. On 28 February 2015, Italy achieved their second away win against Scotland, a tight 22–19 victory, and after a 36-match losing streak they won in Wales for the first time on 19 March 2022 by 22–21. Italy put in their best performance of the 2024 6 Nations tournament, with 2 wins (31–29 at home against Scotland, to win the Cuttitta Cup, and 24–21 away against Wales) and a draw (13–13 away against France).

, Italy have won 15 Six Nations matches: 8 of these against Scotland, 4 against Wales, two against France and one against Ireland. England is the only team that Italy have yet to beat in the championship.

Year France IRL
20006th104106228-122L L L L W
20016th005106207-101L L L L L
20026th00570183-113L L L L L
20035th104100185-85L L L WL
20045th10442152-110L L L L W
20056th00555179-124L L L L L
20066th01472125-53L L L DL
20074th20394147-53L L L WW
20086th10474131-57L L L L W
2009 6th00549170-121L L L L L
20106th10469137-68L L L L W
20116th10470138-68WL L L L
20125th10453121-68L L L L W
20134th20375111-36WL WL L
20146th00563172-109L L L L L
20155th10462182-120L L L L W
20166th00579224-145L L L L L
20176th00550201-151L L L L L
20186th00592203-111L L L L L
20196th00579167-88L L L L L
20206th00544178-134L L L L L
20216th00555239-184L L L L L
20226th10460181-121L L L W L
20236th00589149-60L L L L L
20245th21292126-34D L L W W
Overall 15 2 108 1800 4236 -24362–1–22 0–0–25 1–0–24 4–1–20 8–0–17

Rugby World Cup

See main article: Italy at the Rugby World Cup.

Italy have competed at every Rugby World Cup since the competition's inception in 1987. Italy finished third in their pool at their first World Cup, defeating Fiji, but not making the finals. They did not make the finals in 1991, grouped in a tough pool with England and the All Blacks. At the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, they finished behind England and Western Samoa, but above Argentina in their pool.

In 1999 they did not make the finals, with their defeats by the All Blacks and Tonga. Italy won two pool games at the 2003 World Cup, defeating both Canada and Tonga, but lost to the All Blacks and Wales.Italy played the 2007 Rugby World Cup in Pool C, against New Zealand, Scotland, Romania and Portugal (who had been beaten 83–0 by Italy in the qualifiers), with the goal of reaching the quarter finals for the first time. However, in the crucial group match against Scotland, Italy were undone by indiscipline. Chris Paterson kicked all of Scotland's points in an 18–16 victory, despite Italy crossing the line for the game's only try.

European championships

Before 2000, Italy was one of the leading European teams outside the Five Nations, along with Romania, and for a while the USSR.

Italy competed in the original European Championships from 1936 to 1938, but World War II meant that the tournament would not resume until 1952. Italy then competed in these tournaments from 1952 to 2000. Italy achieved only one victory, the 1995–97 FIRA Trophy.

TeamFirst placeSecond placeThird place
198

Thirties wins

width=5%Yearwidth=10%Host citywidth=15%Winnerwidth=15%Second placewidth=15%Third place
1936Berlin
1937Paris

The fifties: the European Cup, Italian positions

width=6%Yearwidth=18%Winnerwidth=18%Second placewidth=18%Third place
1952
1954

The Nations Cup 1966–73

width=6%Yearwidth=18%Winnerwidth=18%Second placewidth=18%Third place
1965/1966
1966/1967
1969/1970

The FIRA Trophy 1974–97

width=6%Yearwidth=18%Winnerwidth=18%Second placewidth=18%Third place
1974/1975
1975/1976
1976/1977
1979/1980
1981/1982
1982/1983
1983/1984
1984/1985
1990/1992
1992/1994
1995/1997

Players

Current squad

On 13 May, Gonzalo Quesada named a 33-player squad that will tour the Pacific during the June International window, with matches against Samoa, Tonga and Japan.[45] Giacomo Ferrari was also named in the traveling squad as a guest player.

Head coach: Gonzalo Quesada

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Award winners

World Rugby Awards

The following Italy players have been recognised at the World Rugby Awards since 2001:[46]

World Rugby Player of the Year
width=40Yearwidth=160Nomineeswidth=160Winners
2008Sergio Parissealign=center rowspan=2
2013Sergio Parisse (2)
World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year
width=40Yearwidth=160Nomineeswidth=160Winners
2022Ange CapuozzoAnge Capuozzo

Six Nations Player of the Championship

The following Italy players have been shortlisted for the Six Nations Player of the Championship since 2004:[47]

Six Nations Player of the Year (2004–07)
width=40Yearwidth=160Nomineeswidth=160Winners
align=center rowspan=32004Martin Castrogiovannialign=center rowspan=9
Andrea de Rossi
Sergio Parisse
align=center rowspan=22005Marco Bortolami
Alessandro Troncon
align=center rowspan=22006Mirco Bergamasco
Ramiro Pez
align=center rowspan=22007Marco Bortolami (2)
Carlos Nieto
Six Nations Player of the Year (2008–14)
width=40Yearwidth=160Nomineeswidth=160Winners
2008Sergio Parisse (2)align=center rowspan=2
2009Sergio Parisse (3)
align=center rowspan=22011Andrea Masialign=center rowspan=2Andrea Masi
Fabio Semenzato
2012Sergio Parisse (4)align=center rowspan=5
align=center rowspan=32013Andrea Masi (2)
Sergio Parisse (5)
Alessandro Zanni
2014Leonardo Ghiraldini
Six Nations Player of the Year (2015–24)
width=40Yearwidth=160Nomineeswidth=160Winners
2015Sergio Parisse (6)align=center rowspan=4
2016Sergio Parisse (7)
2017Sergio Parisse (8)
2018Matteo Minozzi
2024Tommaso MenoncelloTommaso Menoncello
Six Nations Team of the Championship
width=40 rowspan=2YearForwardsBackswidth=40 rowspan=2Total
width=40width=160Playerswidth=40width=160Players
align=center rowspan=420247.Michele Lamaro12.Tommaso Menoncello2
Six Nations Try of the Championship
width=40Yearwidth=160Nomineewidth=90Matchwidth=160Winnerwidth=30
2023Pierre Brunovs. Ireland[48]
2024Lorenzo Panivs. WalesLorenzo Pani[49]

Coaches

Current coaches

Coaching history

NameFromToPWDL% W/P
 Arnaldo Cortese
 John Thomas
20 May 192910010
 Arturo Cameroni
 Luigi Bricchi
29 May 19301100100
 Luigi Bricchi1 November 193226 December 1934430175
 Luigi Bricchi
 Julien Saby
26 December 19347 April 19351100100
 Julien Saby7 April 193514 May 193620020
 Luigi Bricchi
 Michel Boucheron
14 May 193616 May 1936210150
 Luigi Bricchi
 Julien Saby
1 January 193717 October 1937521240
 Luigi Bricchi6 March 193820 November 193810010
 Luigi Bricchi
 Giuseppe Sessa
20 November 193819 March 1940210150
 Romano Bonifazi19 March 19409 February 1941210150
 Luigi Bricchi
 Franco Chiaserotti
9 February 19412 May 1942
 Luigi Bricchi
 Franco Chiaserotti
2 May 19421100100
 Tommaso Fattori18 May 194727 March 1949210150
 Giorgio Briasco
 Antonio Radicini
27 March 194926 February 195020020
 Romano Bonifazi26 February 195029 July 1950
 Francesco Vinci29 July 19504 October 1950
 Renzo Maffioli4 October 195025 February 1951
 Renzo Maffioli
 Julien Saby
25 February 19511 August 1954960366.7
 Piermarcello Farinelli
 Aldo Invernici
 Umberto Silvestri
1 August 195422 December 1956850362.5
 Giulio Fereoli
 Aldo Invernici
 Umberto Silvestri
22 December 19568 December 1957210150
 Sergio Barilari
 Aldo Invernici
 Umberto Silvestri
8 December 195719 July 195810010
 Sergio Barilari
 Mario Battaglini
 Aldo Invernici
19 July 195810 April 1960210150
 Sergio Barilari
 Romano Bonifazi
10 April 196022 April 1962420250
 Aldo Invernici22 April 19628 December 1965720528.5
 Sergio Barilari
 Mario Martone
8 December 196528 October 1967731342.8
 Aldo Invernici28 October 196724 May 1970870187.5
 Giordano Campice24 May 197025 October 19702200100
 Sergio Barilari25 October 197010 April 197130030
 Guglielmo Geremia11 April 197127 May 197110010
 Aldo Invernici28 May 197119 February 1972
 Umberto Levorato20 February 197225 November 1972412125
 Gianni Villa26 November 197214 February 197520611330
 Roy Bish15 February 19751º April 19771581653.3
 Isidoro Quaglio2 April 19771º May 1977210150
 Gwyn Evans23 October 197723 October 1978511320
 Pierre Villepreux24 October 197824 October 1981241011341.6
 Paolo Paladini
 Marco Pulli
25 October 19819 November 1985281621057.14
 Marco Bollesan10 November 19854 November 198819711136.8
 Loreto Cucchiarelli5 November 198829 September 1989710614.3
 Loreto Cucchiarelli
 Bertrand Fourcade
29 September 198931 December 1989210150
 Bertrand Fourcade1 January 199030 August 1993271601159.3
 Georges Coste31 August 199319 June 1999481912839.6
 Massimo Mascioletti20 June 199919 November 1999520340
 Brad Johnstone20 November 199926 April 200227502218.5
 John Kirwan27 April 200218 April 2005321002231.3
 Pierre Berbizier19 April 200530 September 2007301211740
 Nick Mallett3 October 200730 October 201142903321.4
 Jacques Brunel1 November 201131 May 2016501103922.0
 Conor O'Shea1 June 201617 November 201926601923.08
align=‘'left'’ Franco Smith21 November 201919 May 20211300130
align=‘'left'’ Kieran Crowley19 May 202131 December 202323801531.5
align=‘'left'’ Gonzalo Quesada1 January 2024present841350
Updated 21 July 2024

Player records (career)

Most caps

PlayerPosSpanMatStartSubPtsTriesWonLostDraw%
1 2002–2019 142 139 3 83 16 35 106 1 25.00
2 2002–2016 119 91 28 60 12 30 88 1 25.63
3 2005–2020 118 92 26 20 4 31 86 1 26.92
4 2001–2015 112 92 20 35 7 29 82 1 26.33
5 2006–2020 107 84 23 25 5 20 87 0 18.86
6 1998–2015 106 90 16 75 15 30 76 0 28.30
7 2000–2013 103 79 24 40 8 32 70 1 31.55
8 1994–2007 102 95 7 95 19 34 67 1 33.82
9 2000–2015 95 82 13 65 13 23 72 0 24.21
10 2002–2012 89 82 7 256 17 22 66 1 25.28
2008–2017 89 75 14 74 7 18 71 0 20.22

Last updated: Japan vs Italy, 21 July 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.[50]

Most tries

PlayerPosSpanMatStartSubPtsTriesConvPensDrop
1 1987–1999 55 55 0 115 26 0 0 0
2 1991–2003 65 64 1 112 23 0 0 0
3 1990–2004 84 74 10 105 21 0 0 0
Manrico Marchetto1972–1981 43 39 4 84 21 0 0 0
5 1994–2007 102 95 7 95 19 0 0 0
6 2002–2012 89 82 7 256 17 12 49 0
1977–1987 60 59 1 77 17 0 0 3
1977–1990 54 54 0 68 17 0 0 0
9 1990–1997 38 38 0 77 16 0 0 0
2002–2019 142 139 3 83 16 0 0 1

Last updated: Japan vs Italy, 21 July 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most points

PlayerPosSpanMatStartSubPtsTriesConvPensDrop
1 1991–2003 74 73 1 983 9 127 208 20
2 Tommaso Allan 2013– 80 60 20 501 15 89 77 1
3 1979–1988 55 54 1 483 7 46 104 17
4 1985–1995 47 47 0 294 2 57 57 0
5 2000–2007 40 33 7 260 4 33 52 6
6 2002–2012 89 82 7 256 17 12 49 0
7 Paolo Garbisi 2020- 39 37 2 211 3 38 40 0
8 2004–2015 48 27 21 154 3 20 31 2
9 2006–2008 16 15 1 153 1 35 25 1
10 2015–2021 53 28 25 152 5 20 26 3

Last updated: Japan vs Italy, 21 July 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only. [50]

Most matches as captain

PlayerPosSpanMatWonLostDraw%PtsTriesConvPensDrop
1 2008–2019 93 18 75 0 19.35 68 13 0 0 1
2 2002–2014 39 14 24 1 37.17 35 7 0 0 0
3 1992–1999 38 15 22 1 39.18 15 3 0 0 0
4 1968–1975 37 15 20 2 43.24 21 6 0 0 0
5 Michele Lamaro 2020- 32 13 18 1 30 10 2 0 0 0
6 1993–1999 22 10 12 0 45.45 15 3 0 0 0
7 2000–2007 21 7 14 0 33.33 25 5 0 0 0
8 1985–1988 20 7 12 1 37.50 8 2 0 0 0
9 2000–2002 19 4 15 0 21.05 5 1 0 0 0
10 Ambrogio Bona1978–1981 18 9 9 0 50.00 4 1 0 0 0

Last updated: Japan vs Italy, 21 July 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Player records (single match)

Most points in a match

PlayerPosPtsTriesConvPensDropOppositionVenueDate
1. 29 1 2 5 2 Toronto 1 July 1982
1 3 6 0 Makarska 6 June 1998
0 1 6 3 5 February 2000
0 4 7 0 10 November 2001
5. 28 1 7 3 0 Calvisano 21 May 1994
6. 27 1 2 6 0 Bologna 20 December 1997
7. 25 0 5 5 0 26 October 1997
Pierpaolo Rotilio25 5 0 0 0 Brescia 1 November 1997
9. 24 0 12 0 0 18 May 1994
0 0 8 0 1 October 1994
0 0 8 0 27 November 2010

Last updated: Japan vs Italy, 21 July 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most tries in a match

PlayerPosPtsTriesConvPensDropOppositionVenueDate
1. 25 5 0 0 0 Brescia 1 November 1997
2. 12 4 0 0 0 10 October 1937
20 0 0 0 19 June 1993
4. 16 players on 3 tries

Last updated: Japan vs Italy, 21 July 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rugby Union – ESPN Scrum – Italy v France at Rome. ESPN scrum.
  2. Web site: Rugby Union – ESPN Scrum – Italy v Ireland at Rome. ESPN scrum.
  3. Web site: Rugby Union – Italy – List of captains. ESPN scrum.
  4. Web site: About us . Rugby Europe . 19 August 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170120105159/http://www.rugbyeurope.eu/rugby-europe/about-us . 20 January 2017 . dead.
  5. Book: Sports Around the World. 9781598843002. Nauright. John. Parrish. Charles. 2012. Bloomsbury Academic .
  6. News: RWC Blog: Italy's Golden Era against Ireland . RTÉ News . 29 September 2011.
  7. Web site: England v Italy Rugby Programme 1998 – 1998 England Italy Rugby Programme. Mediaclan 2010. love-rugby.com.
  8. Web site: Rugby Union – ESPN Scrum – Italy v Tonga at Leicester. ESPN scrum.
  9. Web site: Euro Sport . Italy salute Rugby heroes . 21 March 2007. 18 March 2007 .
  10. Web site: Guinness Six Nations Rugby News. Sixnationsrugby.com. 21 February 2022.
  11. Web site: England take opening victory . 7 February 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091015122623/http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/12763.php . 15 October 2009 . Catherine . Goble . rbs6nations.com.
  12. Web site: Victory margin flatters erratic Ireland . 15 February 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091015121657/http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/12903.php . 15 October 2009 . Rob . Barnett . rbs6nations.com.
  13. News: Shanklin keeps Welsh hopes alive . 14 March 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120229141503/http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/13206.php . 29 February 2012 . rbs6nations.com . PA Sport.
  14. News: Canavosio strikes late as Scotland come up short in Rome . https://web.archive.org/web/20120515163929/http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/16117.php . dead . 15 May 2012 . rbs6nations.com . 27 February 2010 . Sportsbeat.
  15. Web site: O'Gara steers champions Ireland to opening victory . sixnationsrugby.com . 6 February 2010 . 9 November 2019.
  16. News: Hook crosses twice in Wales romp over Italy . rbs6nations.com . 20 March 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131215124848/http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/16424.php . 15 December 2013 . Sportsbeat.
  17. News: Italy 22 France 21: match report. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/sixnations/8378214/Italy-22-France-21-match-report.html . 12 January 2022 . subscription . live. 12 March 2011. The Daily Telegraph. 14 March 2011. London. Simon. Briggs.
  18. News: Six Nations: France 30–12 Italy. BBC. 4 June 2013. 4 February 2012.
  19. News: Australia survive fightback to maintain perfect record against Italy. The Guardian. 4 June 2013. London. 24 November 2012.
  20. News: Faltering Italy forced to battle for narrow victory over Tonga. Sky Sports. 10 November 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130327221102/http://www.skysports.com/rugbyunion/match_report/0,,11069_53431_1,00.html . 27 March 2013 . dead.
  21. News: Orquera leads Italy to stunning success in Rome . rbs6nations.com . 3 February 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130813132858/http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/21998.php . 13 August 2013 . Sportsbeat.
  22. News: Flood squeezes England past defiant Italy . rbs6nations.com . 10 March 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140102215310/http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/22605.php . 2 January 2014 . Sportsbeat.
  23. News: Italy claim historic RBS 6 Nations win over Ireland . rbs6nations.com . 16 March 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131024014757/http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/22697.php . 24 October 2013 . Sportsbeat.
  24. Web site: Italy v Ireland at Rome, Mar 16, 2013. ESPN. 4 June 2013.
  25. Web site: Match Centre Table. rbs6nations.com. 4 June 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130521051330/http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/match-centre_table.php. 21 May 2013.
  26. News: RBS Six Nations: Italy skipper Sergio Parisse delighted by win over Ireland . 16 March 2013 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20191127131341/https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12506/8571091 . 27 November 2019 . live.
  27. Web site: Fanning. Brendan. Conor O'Shea recruits IRFU development chief as part of his Italy backroom team. Irish Independent. 24 March 2016. 24 March 2016.
  28. Web site: Italy claim historic first win over Springboks . ESPN. 19 November 2016.
  29. Web site: Six Nations 2022: Wales 21-22 Italy - Visitors shock Wales in Cardiff . BBC Sport . 9 March 2024.
  30. Web site: Italy hit post with last kick as 14-man France cling on for draw in thriller . The Guardian . 9 March 2024.
  31. Web site: Italy 31-29 Scotland: Gregor Townsend's players 'abdicate responsibility' in Six Nations defeat . BBC Sport . 9 March 2024.
  32. News: en. Springboks smash records with Uruguay rout. ABC News. 12 June 2005. 11 December 2016.
  33. Web site: Rugby Union – ESPN Scrum – Statsguru – Test matches – Team records . ESPN scrum . 11 December 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120305003606/http://stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1%3Bopposition%3D20%3Borderby%3Ddate%3Bteam%3D10%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dteam%3Bview%3Dmatch . 5 March 2012 .
  34. Web site: France v Italy rugby stats. rugbydata.com. 11 December 2016.
  35. Web site: Rugby Union Ireland v Italy Match results . ESPN scrum . 11 December 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160306020854/http://stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/team/match_results.html?id=20%3Bid%3D3%3Btype%3Dheadtohead . 6 March 2016 .
  36. Web site: France v Ireland rugby stats. rugbydata.com. 11 December 2016.
  37. Web site: Italy v Scotland rugby stats. rugbydata.com. 11 December 2016.
  38. News: Stadio Flaminio set for re-vamp . Scrum.com . 30 January 2010 . 21 August 2010.
  39. RBS 6 Nazioni, allo Stadio Olimpico l'Edizione 2012 . . it . 13 July 2011 . 10 August 2011.
  40. News: Italy switch stadium to Stadio Olimpico . Sportsbeat . RBS 6 Nations . 14 July 2011 . 6 September 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110913191323/http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/italy/19060.php . 13 September 2011 .
  41. Web site: Guerisoli. Annalisa. The Forgotten Story of Flaminio. platform-blog.com. 22 September 2016. 21 March 2016. 23 September 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160923022748/http://www.platform-blog.com/en/flaminio-abbandonato-pier-luigi-nervi/. dead.
  42. Web site: Italy come of age. ESPN. 4 June 2013.
  43. Web site: Photographic image. JPG. Img.bidorbuy.co.za. 21 February 2022.
  44. Web site: Museo del Rugby - N.1, Andrea Castellani, Italia. Ilmuseodelrugby.it.
  45. https://federugby.it/italrugby-gli-azzurri-convocati-per-il-summer-tour-2024/ Italrugby, gli Azzurri convocati per il Summer Tour 2024
  46. News: Awards Roll of Honour - World Rugby . www.world.rugby . 16 March 2024 . en.
  47. Web site: 19 January 2019 . Player of the Championship . Six Nations Rugby . 2 March 2021 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190119122648/https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/player-of-the-championship/ . 19 January 2019 . dmy-all .
  48. News: Vote for the Guinness Six Nations Try of the Championship . www.sixnationsrugby.com . 16 April 2024 . en.
  49. News: Pani scoops 2024 Try of the Championship . www.sixnationsrugby.com . 3 April 2024 . 16 April 2024 . en.
  50. http://www.espn.co.uk/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;team=20;template=results;type=player/ ESPN, Italy Player Records, 19 September 2015