With the Six Nations starting this week, Italy will go into the tournament with optimism that “it can only get better” in terms of the Six Nations. Jacques Brunel will lead the side into the tournament once again, the man who has been in charge since 2011 replacing Nick Mallet.
They will be hoping to improve on last years tournament, which was a disappointment on the whole for them. They will be desperately trying not to finish bottom of the pile again of course, if they do it will be their 10th wooden spoon in the Six Nations. It doesn’t really get any easier for the Azzurri, who are visited first by Ireland who are the favorites in many fans minds, and also the bookmakers.
Sergio Parisse will lead from the front as he always does, with his powerful running and presence around the pitch. Along with Parisse, the Italians do actually have a very experienced pack. Accompanying Parisse is the likes of: Martin Castrogiovanni, Marco Bortalami and the ever reliable Josh Furno. If they are going to get an edge on the opposition, it will certainly be in the forwards.
Their backs aren’t considered as strong as their forwards as previously stated, some big names will be lining up however. These include: Luke McLean and Andrea Masi who ply their trade in the Aviva Premiership, and also the exciting young talent at centre is Michele Campagnaro. At just 21 he is a regualar in the side and can be potent in attack. Inside him will be Kelly Haimona, who is originally from New Zealand and expected to pull the strings in the ten jersey for the Azurri, just like he did in the Autumn.
Italian club rugby isn’t in the greatest state currently with the teams not doing the best in the Pro 12, and some teams are rumored to be pulling out in the near future due to lack of funding. All that aside, the Italians will want to be competitive this year and show people they are no walk over, however one would assume they will just make up the numbers near the bottom of the pack, if not bottom. It remains to be seen.
Key Player: Sergio Parisse
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