ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Thursday Jul 27, 2023

Why Italy desperately need a win against Scotland this weekend

Scotland take on Italy in what promises to be a thrilling match on Saturday, in front of a packed-out Murrayfield stadium. This will be the 36th meeting between the two sides as they both prepare for an upcoming World Cup tournament that will see them arrive both as underdogs.

ADVERTISEMENT

Over the years, the Scotland vs. Italy fixture, once dubbed the Six Nations ‘wooden spoon’ match, has produced numerous thrilling moments. In the past, predicting the winner was a tough task, with players like Martin Castrogiovanni and the Bergamasco brothers causing havoc among the Scottish ranks. Recently, however, it’s been the dark blue of Scotland that has proved dominant over the light blue of Italy – having gone unbeaten against their rivals since 2015.

Scotland’s unbeaten run of 12 straight victories over the Italians has coincided with Italy’s worst run in their history which has seen them go six years without a victory in the Six Nations. It was not until that famous moment in 2022 when Ange Capuozzo broke the Welsh ranks in Cardiff to set up the winning try, that Italy truly appeared to step out of their international slumber.

This victory signaled a new era for Italian rugby, one filled with young talent that was due to bring Italian rugby back to its highest heights not seen since the mid-2000s. There have been glimpses of this new horizon since, in particular an incredible 28-27 victory over Australia providing a glimpse of the future that Italian fans were hoping for.

The promises of their growing success have been left stifled, however, following another wooden spoon collection at this years Six Nations. There is, no doubt, plenty of promise surrounding this young Italian side, despite the expectations leading up to this years World Cup somewhat diminishing since the promising breakthrough that Ange Capuozzo led.

Breaking Scotland’s 12-match winning streak against Italy this weekend could inject an element of unpredictability heading into the World Cup, giving Italy that vital spark neccessary to break expectations, as they face off against both the All Blacks and France in a World Cup pool that has not been kind to them.

Scotland approach this weekends game with a squad full of new faces and combinations, using this crucial time to assess their potential ahead of the tournament. This untested side could provide Italy with a perfect opportunity to break the mold with an unexpected victory.

ADVERTISEMENT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Scottish Rugby (@scotlandteam)

Italy have elected for a more high profile side, with the impressive wing combination of Monte Ioane and Pierre Bruno likely to cause plenty of concern for the Scotland defence. Italy are missing talismanic fullback Ange Capuozzo through injury, however he is likely to make a return ahead of the World Cup.

Experienced international Tommaso Allan takes his place at fly half, as he looks to marshal his troops and take advantage of an untried Scotland defence.

ADVERTISEMENT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Federazione Italiana Rugby (@italrugby)

Related Articles

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Samoa debut for ex-All Black and Radradra...

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Dynamic young halfbacks to turn around Wallabies...

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Exeter Chiefs start rebuilding efforts with...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Match Report: Australia challenge the All Black HAKA in extraordinary test

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Tom Curry receives ban following red card tackle against Argentina

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Off the ball 'punches' being called out by fans following All Blacks vs Springbok match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Scott Barrett's World Cup on the rocks following reckless shoulder charge

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre tackle school video divides viewers

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Dane Coles stunned as he hears news of Steve Hansen joining the Wallabies

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Moment of madness leads to incredible Springbok score

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

View All

Funnies

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Irish players prove the work/life balance is possible even at a World Cup

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber offers ice cold response at the press conference

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Springboks set to sing additional song post national anthem in future test matches

View All

Amateur

  • 38 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 38 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 HOURS AGO

    Springbok players pay tribute to incredible fans that support them around the world

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Springbok’s reign as world champions in peril as Dupont returns

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Jersey Reds player evicted from own home following club collapse

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Irish players prove the work/life balance is possible even at a World Cup

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Watch Namibian wingers display incredible speed against Uruguay

View All