ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Italian superstar returns from injury to score world class try

BY Philip Bendon  ·  Tuesday Aug 22, 2023

Italian Rugby has experienced somewhat of a mini-renaissance over the past few seasons.

ADVERTISEMENT

Whilst many could argue the only way was up for the Azzurri given their historic run of losses over a decade plus.

The work done by head coach Kieran Crowley as well as that done by Franco Smith and Conor O’Shea before him, has laid a foundation for an exciting generation of Italian up-and-comers.

Thus, the Italian Rugby Union’s decision not to renew Crowley’s contract post-World Cup is head-scratching, to say the least.

Whilst Crowley will be departing at the conclusion of the World Cup, one man who Italian Rugby will hope has another decade of service in him is Toulouse star Ange Capuozzo.

The 24-year-old fullback is possibly the most exciting Italian back since the turn of the millennium and has become a real point of difference for the Azzurri.

A nippy runner, exceptional kicker and world-class distributor, Capuozzo’s combination with flyhalf Paolo Garbisi has unlocked what is now a potent Italian attack.

ADVERTISEMENT

Making his return from a lengthy injury lay-off over the weekend, Capuozzo didn’t miss a beat as Italy put Romania to the sword 57 – 7.

Although defeating Romania is now a foregone conclusion for the Italians, it was the manner in which they did so that was impressive.

Utilising a wide range of attacking skills through both their backs and forwards, Crowley’s side played a truly 15-man brand of rugby.

To the fore was Capuozzo, who scored a simply sublime individual try that will surely have boosted his confidence ahead of what will be a brutally tough World Cup.

ADVERTISEMENT

Facing France and New Zealand in pool play, Italy will need Capuozzo to be at his absolute best for the Azzurri to cause the upset and progress to a quarterfinal.

Related Articles

  • 43 WEEKS AGO

    Springbok star leaves Ulster Rugby following...

  • 43 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 43 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 5 HOURS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

View All

Funnies

  • 5 HOURS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

View All

Amateur

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 110 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 110 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 133 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All