Italy kicked off their Six Nations campaign on Saturday against the favorites Ireland at the Stadio Olympico. Many people thought there would only be one winner, and so thats how it was and it ended with Ireland winning as expected. However there was a sense of bitter sweet on the Irish side as it wasn’t as convincing as they’d like. The Italians didn’t really threaten anything, they looked one dimensional, but very strong in defence and if they are going to get a win this year they will need to take advantage of their home fixtures.
Firing Blank? – Italy vs Ireland
The first half saw opportunities come few and far between, with strong defence from both sides. Especially the Italians, this is a real positive they can take from the game, they defended as a unit and kept Ireland out for large parts of the game but in the end they couldn’t maintain their intensity. The first half ended 9-3 with Kelly Haimona kicking the goal right at the end of the first half, his first kick and Italy’s first real chance of points which emphasises how poor the first half was for the neutral.
The turning point in the game was Leonardo Ghilraldini’s yellow card in the 64th minute, up until then the game had been fairly even due to the Italians dogged defence. Ireland had more possession and territory but just didn’t seem to do anything with it, until that yellow card when Conor Murray dived over for the first try.
It was a tough physical encounter, which was expected as the Italians have a bruising pack lead by Sergio Parisse and Ireland will of course never back down. However when the Italians went down to 14 the game opened up and the Italians tired and that’s when Ireland took the initiative with a second try from Tommy O’Donnell, soon after Conor Murray’s first one.
No one can doubt the heart of the Italians, but they just couldn’t match the power of the Irish. Ireland depleted what advantage Italy would have upfront by getting a nudge on at the scrum and squeezing the Italian line out.
Italy were stubborn opponents and one would feel thats all they will be this year, attacking wise they don’t look like they can create enough. However this could come if they get on top upfront and provide their backline with ball, in the past this is how the Italians have competed in games by their forwards providing a platform. No one is doubting their talent, they just seem to lack that edge that the other teams have in this tournament.
England are up next for the Azzuri and in the past few years they have been tough opponents for England. If they can take the positives from their defensive display, and aim to get on top upfront they may have a chance. But me, along with many others predict and England win. Especially after winning in Cardiff, they will be hoping to carry that momentum home to Twickenham and put in a good show.
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