Rugby

In the most unpredictable Six Nations, Italia grows and finishes fourth

The Azzurri's only disappointing game in the Six Nations was the last one (and at the home of the last one...) and it somewhat downgrades the balance, which, however, remains decidedly positive

by Giacomo Bagnasco

16 March 2026

- Torneo delle Sei Nazioni - Galles vs Italia - Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Galles, Regno Unito - 14 marzo 2026 I giocatori italiani salutano i tifosi dopo la partita Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Needless to get around it, a hint of bitterness remains. The only disappointing match in the Azzurri's Six Nations was the very last one (and at the home of the last one...) and it resizes a bit the balance, which, however, remains decidedly positive: fourth place with two wins out of two home matches, two good performances out of three away matches, England for the first time beaten and left behind in the standings.

And then, apart from the unfortunate first half in the home game against Wales, the ability to play at par with the opponents, with maturity and consistency. Despite major injuries, which deprived the team of men like Vintcent, Negri, Capuozzo for the entire tournament, or almost.

The growth at international level of several elements should also be noted. The first line 'back-up' (formed by the young Spagnolo, Di Bartolomeo and Hasa), a second line like Zambonin, who has risen to the level of the best, the definitive confirmation of Zuliani in the third, the reliability of Marin in more than one role, from fullback to centre, alongside a phenomenal Menoncello. All boys born from 2000 onwards, to which is added Fusco (October 1999), who offered valuable performances as scrum-half.

All in a crazy Six Nations edition. In a sport where the overturning of predictions is rare, the world's oldest rugby tournament usually grants a few more surprises than other competitions, but this time it really outdid itself.

Let's line up some oddities. Ireland is humiliated in France in the first round, but then wins three in a row (in England even by a record margin) and remains in the running for the trophy until the very end. Scotland lost in Rome but went on to beat both England and France comprehensively and arrived on the final day with ambitions of final success. France dominated the first three rounds, only to take 13 tries in the last two games and only in time to regain first place in the final, repeating their 2025 triumph.

And here we must dwell for a moment on England, who finished fifth (their worst ever placing since 2000, when the tournament became the Six Nations with the entry of Italia). After a victory in Wales that seemed to confirm their status as equal favourites with the transalpine XV, coach Steve Borthwick's team entered a spiral of three consecutive defeats. Having hit rock bottom with Italia, the same men transformed at the Stade de France and scored seven tries against the masters of champagne rugby in a match that would not stop providing excitement. It was only with a kick by Ramos with plenty of time left on the clock that the transalpines scored the final overtake, that of 48-46.

The British can blame themselves for not having had a footballer up to the mark and for mishandling the last advantage, but their resurrection in the space of a week remains a mystery. Or perhaps even this metamorphosis is nothing more than confirmation of how psychological aspects prevail over anything else even when hyper-tested professionals are on the pitch.

Honour to France, however, who, by the way, could count on the best points scorer (Thomas Ramos, with 74) and even on the best ever metaman in the tournament's three-decade history: the phenomenal three-quarter-winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored four tries on Saturday against England, bringing his personal harvest to nine.

Nine were also the total number of goals scored by Italia, which was the least prolific team. Fewer points to their credit as well (117, another last place). But if we look at the other side of the coin the Azzurri are second only to Ireland for the lowest number of tries and points conceded, 16 and 117 respectively.

There will also be food for thought in view of the new commitments. We start again in July with the Nations Championship, a new version of the old and beloved Test matches, which will see us host Japan, New Zealand and Australia.