Since their inclusion into the Six Nations in 2000, Italy have been the competition’s ultimate underdogs. Throughout the years the Italians have recorded some memorable victories, and provided some ‘edge of your seat’ rugby that has gone down in history.
Italy are undergoing a ‘renaissance’, with a talented young squad who will leave it all on the line throughout the 2024 Six Nations. The likes of Paolo Garbisi, Michelle Lamaro and Ange Capuozzo are generating an excitable buzz about Italian rugby, with serious potential ahead of this weekend’s tournament opener against England.
Italy have also appointed a new head coach for the 2024 Six Nations, with Kieran Crowley let go following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Former Argentina fly half and Stade Francais coach Gonzalo Quesada takes up the reins, with his first test coming against Steve Borthwick’s side on Saturday.
Italy are also providing dual-nationality players with viable international opportunities, as the likes of English eligible Paolo Odogwu joins up with the Azzurri training camp. So, ahead of this hotly anticipated clash to commence their campaign in the 2024 Six Nations, let’s look back on the Top 5 moments from the Azzurri’s history.
1. Wales 21-22 Italy : 2022 Six Nations Championship
Where else to begin but with the victory that ended Italy’s seven year wait for a Six Nations win. The hotly contested match in Cardiff was looking to be heading for a Wales win, on the final weekend of the 2022 Championship. With two minutes left to play, Wales led 21-15, thanks to earlier tries from Owen Watkin, Dewi Lake and Josh Adams.
Then a lightning bolt of blue struck the Principality Stadium, in the form of Ange Capuozzo. Receiving the ball within his own 22m, the fullback put his head down, and made Italian rugby history. Capuozzo skipped passed the tackle attempts of Josh Adams and Jonny McNicholl, before playing in Edoardo Padovani to score a memorable try for the “Azzurri”.
With the final kick of the game, Paolo Garbisi slotted the following conversion from in front of the posts, and Italy recorded their first win in a staggering 36 Six Nations matches. The losing streak was over, and Wales hung their heads. All eyes turned to Wales Head Coach Wayne Pivac, who would be ousted from his post after a woeful Autumn International series, in favour of the returning Warren Gatland.