ITALY LIE 14th in the world rankings but their performances in this year’s Six Nations belie that status. The Azzurri finished bottom but might easily have won two or three matches. Their points difference of minus 60 was their best since 2015 and their ability to score more tries, coupled with stronger defence, has brought a growing confidence. Their 2022 win over Wales in Cardiff was a mark of this.
Star players such as fly-half Paolo Garbisi, full-back Ange Capuozzo and prop Danilo Fischetti are a product of a burgeoning development system that is bringing results – Italy finished third in the 2023 U20
