Rome is bracing for a potentially historic Six Nations clash this Saturday as Italy faces England, but the narrative extends far beyond the immediate contest. While the Azzurri now harbor genuine aspirations of upsetting their long-time rivals, the journey to this point has been marked by decades of struggle, chaotic moments, and a persistent fight for respect within the championship. The story of Italian rugby in the Six Nations is one of resilience, punctuated by humbling defeats and a determination to build a program capable of consistently competing at the highest level. This weekend’s match offers a stark contrast to the early years of Italy’s inclusion, a period vividly recalled by those who witnessed the formative – and often fraught – stages of their development.
The Azzurri entered the Six Nations in 2000, immediately making an impact with a stunning 34-20 victory over defending champions Scotland. However, that initial high was quickly followed by a prolonged period of difficulty, a pattern that would define much of their participation in the tournament for over two decades. Stories from those early days paint a picture of a team grappling with the intensity and physicality of international rugby, often finding themselves on the wrong end of lopsided scorelines. The upcoming match against England provides a compelling backdrop to reflect on those formative years and the evolution of Italian rugby.
Former England captain and World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio remembers a trip to Italy in the early 1990s, before their inclusion in the Six Nations, that offered a glimpse into the challenges the nation faced in developing a competitive rugby program. Dallaglio, who considered an offer to play in Italy, witnessed a match between Milan and L’Aquila that he described as “absolute chaos, more akin to murderball than rugby.” He recalled watching David Campese, the legendary Australian winger, play in the game and barely touch the ball, a testament to the unstructured and often unpredictable nature of Italian rugby at the time. This early observation foreshadowed the difficulties Italy would encounter as they sought to establish themselves in the fiercely competitive Six Nations.
A History of Hardships
Italy’s entry into the Six Nations was met with both excitement and skepticism. While the addition of a new nation was welcomed, concerns were quickly raised about the competitive balance of the tournament. The early years saw a string of defeats, culminating in an 80-23 loss to England in 2001, which remains the largest losing margin in Six Nations history. This defeat underscored the significant gap in quality between Italy and the established rugby powers. Throughout their time in the championship, the Azzurri have earned the “Wooden Spoon” – awarded to the team finishing bottom – in 18 out of 26 seasons, a 70% rate that highlights their consistent struggles.
Perhaps the most challenging period for Italian rugby came between 2015 and 2022, when they endured a record-breaking 36-match losing streak. This unprecedented run of defeats sparked debate about Italy’s place in the Six Nations, with calls for relegation and the potential inclusion of Georgia as a replacement. The losing streak, which won’t be surpassed by Wales until 2031, became a symbol of the Azzurri’s difficulties and fueled criticism of the tournament’s structure. Despite these challenges, Italy persevered, continuing to invest in grassroots development and nurture young talent.
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An Unconventional Scrum-Half
One particularly memorable – and chaotic – moment from Italy’s Six Nations history occurred in 2009 when head coach Nick Mallett was forced to field Mauro Bergamasco, a flanker by trade, at scrum-half against England. With all three of Italy’s qualified scrum-halves injured, Mallett found himself in a desperate situation. He even considered asking assistant coach Alessandro Tronco to play, but Tronco declined, stating he wasn’t fit enough. Bergamasco, despite his lack of experience in the position, was thrust into the role, a decision that reportedly drew criticism from some teammates. As Bergamasco himself explained, “Under pressure your instinct is to go back to thinking like a flanker… About 50% of the team didn’t agree with the decision to move me to number 9. One team-mate said, ‘What are you f**king doing? Why did you say yes?’”
Sergio Parisse was a world class player in a struggling Italian team (David Rogers/Getty Images)
A Captain’s Resolve
Despite the numerous setbacks, Italy has consistently produced world-class players, none more emblematic than Sergio Parisse. The talismanic number 8, who remains the sixth most capped men’s player of all time, captained the Azzurri through many difficult years, embodying a spirit of resilience and determination. While he holds the unfortunate record of having lost more international matches than any other player, Parisse consistently demonstrated leadership and skill, earning the respect of opponents and fans alike. He maintained a positive outlook, viewing each loss as an opportunity for improvement. “Every time I lost, as a captain it was important for me to never give up and display the team that we could go again,” Parisse explained.
Though Parisse retired in 2019, his influence continues to be felt within Italian rugby. He expressed optimism about the team’s recent progress, highlighting the emergence of exciting young players like Tommaso Menoncello and Ange Capuozzo, who are helping to elevate the Azzurri’s competitiveness. “Italy have gained the credibility of a team capable of playing at a high level,” Parisse stated, signaling a new era for Italian rugby.
As Italy prepares to face England on Saturday, the weight of history – both the struggles and the glimmers of hope – will undoubtedly be present. The Azzurri’s journey in the Six Nations has been a testament to their unwavering commitment to the sport, and this weekend’s match represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate the progress they have made. The next step in Italy’s evolution will be on full display in Rome this weekend, as they aim to secure a historic victory against a formidable opponent.
What are your thoughts on Italy’s chances against England? Share your predictions and reflections on the Azzurri’s journey in the comments below.
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