Six Nations just around the corner: Italy's rugby players and prospects

MILAN - Operation Six Nations officially begins. The oldest and most prestigious rugby tournament in the world inaugurates an even more compressed version (with only a one-week break, between the third and fourth rounds) and it all takes place in about forty days. The first 'official' act today in Milan at the Sky headquarters, which will broadcast all the matches and, as far as the Azzurri are concerned, will also allow free-to-air viewing via the TV8 channel.

On that occasion the list of thirty-two players called up for the first part of the tournament, which includes the home match against Scotland and the away matches in Ireland and France, was announced. No sensational news, but some notes to be made: the third line Samuele Locatelli and the centre Damiano Mazza could win the first Azzurri jersey in a top field like the Six Nations, while Edoardo Todaro, not yet twenty years old and in great form in the English championship, is confirmed among the "greats" and in the trio of scrum-halves Alessandro Fusco has been this time preferred to Alessandro Garbisi.

For everyone, the first goal is to be among the 23 who will be selected (15 for the camp, eight for the bench). The extended group was also chosen taking into account several players currently unavailable through injury. And they are no small names: Allan, Capuozzo, Negri, Vintcent, Lucchesi and Trulla. "But with situations like this,' coach Gonzalo Quesada remarks, 'you have to deal with it practically all the time. Rugby is a tough sport with 10-11 months of activity and some injuries will always be there. It means that we will be able to give more space to those who usually play less and will be able to try and put themselves in the spotlight'. As the tournament progresses, then, at least a couple of players (Allan and Capuozzo) could be available again.

Michele L'amaro retains the title of captain as part of what he smilingly calls a 'council of wise men', of which three other athletes (Niccolò Cannone, Nicotera and Brex) are members in addition to Quesada. 'By now,' he explains, 'this small group has been working for some time to give direction to the whole team. It is essential that there are more elements capable of carrying out this task'.

There is also talk of prospects, starting from the very short term, from that Italy-Scotland that, on Saturday 7 February, will come immediately after the opening of the tournament. That will not be Friday 6, but Thursday 4, so as not to 'clash' with the opening of the Winter Olympics. "According to 2025 statistics," said the coach, "Scotland have the best possession and territory percentages in the world. Lately they have suffered disappointments and have also lost games despite playing well, like with New Zealand. From their point of view they cannot afford to lose again in Rome, like two years ago. It will be very important for us to play a great game, expecting a war in physical contact, in front of the sold-out crowd at the Olimpico.