In what is expected to be the most broadcasted Rugby World Cup in history, Italy have arrived in France ready to display their promising talents to the world.
The Azzurri boast the second youngest squad in the competition with an average age of just 27 years old, as they look to cause a dramatic upset in a pool that has not been kind to them.
Average Age Per 2023 Rugby World Cup Squad.
South Africa have the oldest squad .
ADVERTISEMENTAustralia have the youngest squad.#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/sV9IAbfX1g
— Jonathan Bilaso (@ItsBilaso) September 5, 2023
Positioned to face both hosts France and three-time winners of the tournament New Zealand, the young Italian side will need to build upon the experience they’ve gained in recent years.
Italy had not won so much as single Six Nations game for 6-years prior to the 2022 version of the competition, when World Breakthrough of the Year Player Ange Capuozzo performed a moment of magic to set up the winner in majestic scenes at the home of Welsh rugby.
Despite the Italian side proving to be much improved, they did however fall fate to yet another failed Six Nations campaign in 2023. Following some rather tight fought contests, the Italians were the unfortunate collectors of the wooden spoon once again.
Coming off the back of two large wins over Romania and Japan in the lead up to the World Cup, Italy appear to have once again regained a spring in their step as they arrive in France.
Clearly enjoying their time in France, Capuozzo, Tommy Allan and the rest of the squad have been shown to be thoroughly getting into the festival atmosphere as they vibe away before the hard work starts.
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The hard work will come at them thick and fast as they look to take to the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne in just four days time, as they look to get a good start to the tournament against Namibia.
They will then travel to Nice after an eleven day break to test their promising talents against a Uraguay side that defeated Fiji in a shock upset in the compeition four years ago.
Should Italy pass these tests with flying colours, then the next step will be a large one as they travel to Lyon to face off against the mighty All Blacks, before ending their group stage venture against France in the same city.
Whilst past results do count for something, the increased quality and injection of young talent into the Italian side results in this side not to be underestimated.
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