Rugby

Six Nations 2022: Can youthful Italy earn first Championship win since 2015?

Kieran Crowley’s Azzurri have age on their side but look to be well out of their depth

23-year-old Michele Lamaro captains Italy in the Six Nations. Photograph: Giuseppe Fama/Inpho

John O'Sullivan's face
John O'Sullivan
Tue Feb 1 2022 - 12:00

Italy

Last year: 6th

Odds for the title: 1000-1

Under new management with the exception of Marius Goosen, who remains from the old coaching regime, Italy lost 47-9 to a second string New Zealand, 37-16 to Argentina and beat Uruguay 17-10 during the Autumn Nations series.

It’s a very young squad but there are some notable omissions including Matteo Minozzi and Jacopo Trulla, both of whom are outstanding broken field, counter-attacking players and would have added value at fullback.

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The fixture schedule is ridiculously tough starting with France, England and Ireland matches. They haven't won a game in the Six Nations since 2015, a stat that they'll do well to change.

The coach

Kieran Crowley agreed to take over in May 2021 and looking at the squad ahead of the tournament he’s leaned heavily on his former club, Benetton from where he came to take over the national team.

The former New Zealand fullback has experience in the Test arena having previously coached Canada (2008-2016) before taking up an invitation to join Benetton. During his time in Treviso he transformed the fortunes of the club to a point where last year they won the Rainbow Cup. He’s got just under two years to take a young squad and develop its potential in time for the 2023 RWC in France.

Kieran Crowley is heading into his first Six Nations as Italy manager. Photograph: Inpho

The key man

Michele Lamaro (23) is held in very high regard in Italian rugby reflected in Kieran Crowley’s decision to make him captain at such a young age; a role he fulfilled for two years with the national Under-20 team in winning a whopping 17 caps at that level.

The son of Olympic sailor Gianluca, he can play right across the backrow and grew up idolising former All Blacks captain and openside Richie McCaw. He grew up in Aurelio, a 10-minute walk from the Olympic stadium. Rugby captured his heart and mind from a young age and he has excelled at all levels for his country.

The one to watch

The 21-year-old hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi has already amassed seven caps. He made his Pro14 debut as a teenage permit player (2019) before being snapped up by Benetton. The six foot, 16 and a half stone hooker played age-grade international rugby for Italy, and has been able to translate the qualities that he demonstrated then, power and athleticism, to the senior ranks.

He can also play prop as he did temporarily in his most recent international against Ireland. He’s an impressive try scoring acumen, this season alone he’s managed four in five starts in the URC. He started his first Test match against New Zealand in November.

Fixtures

Sunday February 6th, France v Italy, Stade de France (3pm)

Sunday February 13th, Italy v England, Stadio Olimpico (3pm)

Sunday February 27th, Ireland v Italy, Aviva Stadium (3pm)

Saturday March 12th, Italy v Scotland, Stadio Olimpico (2.15pm)

Saturday March 19th, Wales v Italy, Millennium Stadium (2.15pm)

Six Nations