Italy U20s captain David Odiase has caught the rugby world’s attention, after his passionate post match interview. Odiase’s interview followed Italy U20s defeat by the narrowest of margins to France U20s.
Odiase received Player Of The Match in the U20s Six Nations opening round, with the final score reading 27-28 to ‘les Bleus’.
The back-rower spoke to the media post match, and gave an empowered speech which highlights how Italian rugby is pushing from strength to strength. The Oyonnax star emotionally discussed how Italy are coming after their Six Nations opponents, and are tired of being the underdogs.
“I’m still happy for all my team. Our Italian movement is doing very well, I’m very proud of my lads, they’re doing very good. Apart from the result, I am very proud. We are sending a big message for the world rugby, that we are coming for all of you people.”
What the 20-year-old said next made the rugby world take note.
“We have been working hard, eating sh*t a lot for the past years, and now the results have started to come in.”
It would be wise to mark Odiase’s words, with Italy looking to be ever-improving in recent years. We are witnessing a renaissance of the Italian national team, with their new-found fan favourites in Ange Capuozzo and Paolo Garbisi leading the attack.
The lionhearted captain Michele Lamaro is the side’s fearless leader, and will take the nation to new heights. With recent victorious over Wales and Australia solidifying these claims in 2022, Italy are kicking on strong into 2023, as they battle and compete with the biggest names in international rugby.