Brother of controversial Wallabies star set to make debut against Scotland for Italy XV

Italy XV will face Scotland A on February 6 in Rieti, before taking on Chile on March 6 in L’Aquila. These fixtures represent an important milestone in the Italian Rugby Federation’s Federal Technical Project.

Cristiano Tizzano is a promising scrum-half, recognised for his outstanding fitness and speed. At just 22 years of age, his involvement with Italy XV marks a significant step in his rugby development.

Originally from an AFL background, Cristiano made the decision to pursue rugby the day his brother departed for New South Wales to join the Waratahs, opting to follow a different sporting path.

Carlo Tizzano was involved in a controversial incident during the closing moments of Australia’s defeat in the second Test of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour. Shortly before the Lions scored the match-winning try, Tizzano was cleared out near his own try line by Lions flanker Jac Morgan while counter-rucking.

Although the clear-out was ruled legal, with no contact to the head or neck, Tizzano appeared to simulate a head injury in what was widely interpreted as an attempt to draw a decisive penalty. Following a TMO review, officials confirmed there was no foul play and that Morgan’s actions were within the laws.

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt defended Tizzano after the match, stating that there were just over 54Gs of direct force through the neck, along with almost 2,200 rads of rotational force. However, Schmidt’s comments were disputed, with no supporting evidence provided. The incident drew widespread criticism across the rugby community, with many observers describing Tizzano’s reaction as unsportsmanlike.