Italy automatic qualifiers New Zealand 2011

Italy's first Rugby World Cup match was against New Zealand on 22nd May 1987. New Zealand ran out 70-6 winners and one of the stars that day was John Kirwan. Kirwan took the ball from his own line and went around almost every Italian player completing a 100 meter sprint to seal New Zealand's victory. As Italy entered the Rugby World Cup 2003, their coach was the same John Kirwan, at 37 years old, he was one of the international games youngest coaches. He is considered to have taken Italy forward and now they compete and win against the top nations. The will be looking to continue their development under Nick Mallett in New Zealand.

Six Nations Challenge

When Europe's Five Nations tournament was expanded to Six, it was to include Italy. Italy proceeded in 2000 to win their very first Six Nations game, which was a 34-20 win at home to Scotland and gave them credibility on the European stage. Italy have since repeated this feat and have cemented their position in the six nations where they now compete against all the sides running France and England close though not beating them. Their chances of progression from Pool C must be a tough ask with Australia and Ireland the favourites.

Italy The Azzurri

The Azzurri Currently ranked 11th in the world and with its position as a Six Nations team, Italy qualified through finishing third in their pool in France 2007. They should think they can beat Europe 2 and Americas 2, however it is unlikely they will beat either Australia or Ireland and so they will probably repeat their position in France 2007 with a third place in Pool 'C'.

Italy News

South Africa perform - South Africa 55-11 Italy - South Africa closed out the two match series against Italy with a much better performance than that in the first

Wales put Italy to the Hook - Wales 33-10 Italy - Wales gave the home supporters something to cheer as they ended a disappointing Six Nations with a comfortable win over Italy

Wales v Italy Teams - Here are the teams for the clash in the RBS Six Nations at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 20 March 2010 with Kick-off: 1430 GMT

Italy team for Wales Test - Late injuries to Lock Carlo Del Fava and flanker Paul Derbyshire have have forced Nick Mallett to make changes as Marco Bortolami and Josh Sole return to the side as replacements meaning Valerio Bernabo and Manoa Vosawai take up the vacated places on the bench