Star Players
One key aspect to Italy’s rugby development over the years has been the nurturing of talent; Italian U-20 sides regularly compete and win in the IRB’s U-20 second division of the annual Junior World Cup. Furthermore since the turn of the century two Italian clubs have joined Europe’s premier rugby competition in the European Rugby Championship, the addition has been integral to local Italian development, despite the fact that many Italian players play for other clubs in France and England. Italy generally field a good first fifteen, however there are a couple world-class players that are irreplaceable. The first being captain Sergio Parisse who at 31 has played 13 years of international rugby, starting at the youthful age of 18. Parisse plays no. 8 and single-handedly controls the flow of play for his team. Parisse is known for his impressive handling, and is arguably one of the best attacking players in the world despite his age, and position as a forward. A second legend of the Italian team is the aforementioned prop Castrogiovanni, Castrogiovanni is one of four players in the squad at the age of 33, he has played in Italy, England, and France with some of the greatest players in the world, using this experience Castrogiovanni leads the forward pack from the front. Italy’s squad also comprises of some exciting pace in the backline such as speedy fullback Andrea Massi, or exciting new first five eighth Tommaso Allan.
Italy have competed at every world cup, despite this they have never made it pas the pool stages. 2015 represents Italy’s best chance so far at this feat. The team are familiar with playing everybody in their pool having played Ireland and France 16 times since their initiation into the six nations back in 2000. Italy have played Canada 7 times winning 5 of them against Romania they have played 41 times winning 22 of them, Italy should be wary of potential upsets, despite the fact most of these losses came during rugby’s amateur years.
How They've Fared
19/09 Vs. France
Twickenham
26/09 Vs. Canada
Elland Road
04/10 Vs. Ireland
Olympic Stadium
11/10 Vs. Romania
Sandy Park
Flickr (orangeek)