News

State of the nation - Italy

December 02 2008

Three defeats from three does not make pretty reading for Italy and their coach Nick Mallett, and points to a long road ahead if they are to mature into a decent side.

Since they joined the Six Nations back in 2000 we have seen a steady progression from Italy - they went from shipping fifty-odd points on a regular basis to finally winning a game. But it seems they have reached something of a plateau in their development now, one that even Mallett doesn't seem to be able to lift them from.

So, having lost to Australia, Argentina and the Pacific Islands, where do Italy go from here? There was enough on display against Australia to suggest they have what it takes to make the next step in their development. But, conversely, there was plenty to suggest they will struggle to develop as a side any time soon.

Lets start with the positives - almost beating Australia. In years to come Italy may kick themselves for letting this one slip - as until Quade Cooper went through to score in the closing stages Italy were in with more than a fighting chance. In fact such was the composure in their rugby, their commitment to the cause and their burning desire to be recognised at last that you would not have bet against them.

One of Italy's continuing problems is their lack of depth. They have got to a stage where their starting XV is, one or two positions aside, good enough to compete with most teams. But they lack any impact from the bench, except the front row one may argue, and until that changes they will find it increasingly difficult to beat one of the world's top sides.

You may have thought such a close call against Australia would have been enough to give Italy the boost they so desperately needed - the small bit of belief that would raise their game as they look to prove their worth. Sadly it had the opposite effect, after that it was all downhill for Italy as they slumped to further defeats at the hands of Argentina and the Islanders.

Italy never like losing to their old rivals Argentina, a side who you could describe as the Southern Hemisphere's equivalent of the Azzurri, least of all at home. But, as is often the case with lesser sides, Italy failed to show the necessary composure and application required to win Test matches.

Added to that there is a lack of invention behind the scrum, Mirco Bergamasco aside, which ultimately means Italy are predictable. That in turn means they are easier to defend against, which, when you are looking to put a team under pressure with ball in hand, is not a good thing. Added to that their lack of patience in defence and it's easy to see why they struggled in November.

There is no doubting Mallett's ability as a coach, but maybe now is the time for a change in tactics as far as their style and gameplan are concerned. One thing is for certain, should Italy carry on like this we will see a regression, rather than a progression as far as their rugby is concerned. Which, given how far they have come over the past eight years, would be a major loss to rugby.

Star man: To pick Sergio Parisse would be the obvious option, as once again he carried Italy when those around him seemed a little lost. But it was Mirco Bergamasco who proved to be Italy's major threat in attack, and their only real spark behind a powerful scrum. It was, therefore, odd to see him picked on the wing against Australia - but even that didn't stop him from getting heavily involved and scoring a try. Centre is where he will be of most use to Italy, seeing as they have trouble sending the ball to their wings, and when they do it arrives with a host of hungry defenders in wait. Hats off to Bergamasco for being a diamond in the rough.