Italy automatic qualifiers England 2015

Italy ended their time with Nick Mallett as coach, finishing third in pool 'C' behind Ireland and Australia. Although they are now giving the Six nations and Southern Hemisphere teams a good game, they still lack the flare and dash in their three-quarters line to challenge at the top table. It will be interesting to see if they can find some backs to go with their pack and compete at the next cup in England 2015.

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 had been looking to continue their development under Nick Mallett in New Zealand, but although they are still competitive they were not able to unseat the top two in the pool.

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

Italy have new shirts for this years Cup. The shirt has kept to its roots as the home version stays royal blue. The alternate is all white, a first for the shirts made by Kappa is developments on the tight fit and gripper panels on the chest and torso. To place your order and view other Italy shirts visit the Italy Rugby World Cup Shirts page

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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 Russia and USA, 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

France open Six Nations with win - France 30-12 Italy - Philippe Saint-Andre opened his tenure as France Coach with a solid win against Italy in a freezing Stade de France

RWC: Ireland top Pool C - Ireland has finished the pool stage of the competition with a comprehensive 36-6 win over Italy at Otago Stadium on Sunday

RWC: Match preview: Ireland - Italy - POOL C - IRELAND vs ITALY Trafalgar Park, Nelson, Sunday 2nd Oct 8:30pm (NZT) Head-to-head: Played 19, Italy 16, Italy 3 Last meeting: Ireland 13 beat Italy 11 in Rome 2011 Last meeting at a World Cup: First meeting Team news: Ireland have made two changes to the side that started in the famous victory over Australia two weeks ago, but a lot of changes to the side that lined up against Russia in their last outing

RWC: Italy keep chances alive - Italy have kept their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals alive after a comfortable 27-10 win over the USA in Nelson on Tuesday The Italians scored four tries to one in the match, but could have put a lot more past the Eagles if it was not for some superb scrambling defence

RWC: Match preview: Italy - USA - POOL C - ITALY vs USA Trafalgar Park, Nelson, Tuesday 27th Sep 7:30pm (NZT) Head-to-head: Played 2, Italy 2, USA 0 Last meeting: Italy 43 beat USA 25 in Biella 2004 Last meeting at a World Cup: Italy 30 beat USA 9 in Otley (Pool stage 1991) Team news: Nick Mallet has brought the big boys back in for this match after resting his top side against Russia