Last year Six Nations 2010 : The Azzurri would have regarded their 2010 6 Nations campaign as a qualified success. Victory at home against Scotland came one week after Nick Mallett's side came within five points of causing a massive upset against England. Unfortunately - as is almost always the case - Italy were unable to trouble their hosts on the road as an opening day defeat in Dublin (when fly-half Craig Gower made his debut) was followed by drubbings in Paris and Cardiff to finish the tournament on a low.
This year Six Nations 2011 : The same old, same old. Italy will hope to sneak a win at home and then limit the damage on the road. Indeed there's nothing new under the sun in Rome, and therein lives the problem. The lack of a world-class half-backs is an issue and Gower's absence through injury hasn't helped. Italy will have to rely mainly on their pack and a largely one-dimensional game-plan. The draw isn't favourable either: The home game against Wales is perhaps the Azzurri's best chance of a positive result as Murrayfield is not an easy place to visit these days. Italy have won just two Six Nations games in the last three years (both against Scotland in Rome) - We hope that trend will change, but it's not likely.
Coach Six Nations 2011 : Former Stade Français and South Africa boss Nick Mallett took over the Italy job from Pierre Berbizier in October 2007. English-born but having moved to Cape Town as a child, Mallett was a record-setting leader of the Springboks and spent four years in Paris as coach, where he won two domestic titles before the Azzurri came calling. The 54-year-old's stay in Rome is set to come to an end however as he is expected to be replaced after the World Cup by current Perpignan and former France assistant coach Jacques Brunel. Despite being recognised as one of the best in the business, many feel Mallett has taken Italy as far as he can and it's time for fresh ideas.
Captain Six Nations 2011 : Born in Argentina, back-rower Sergio Parisse has been the fulcrum for both Stade Français and Italy for some time now and enjoyed his finest individual season in 2008 when he was a nominee for the IRB Player of the Year award. So much asked of him, so much delivered, a truly unique talent and grafting player. He would make many a top international side. However a serious knee injury ruled him out of the 2010 Six Nations and he was sorely missed. Luckily for Italy, he's back again this year!
Player to watch Six Nations 2011 : For years Italy have struggled to find a quality fly-half to lead their attack but in stalwart wing Mirco Bergamasco at least they have a solid goal-kicker. Italy have always based their game around their pack where Martin Castrogiovanni is the king-pin in the front row.
Fixtures Six Nations 2011 :
Saturday 5th Feb: vs Ireland -- Stadio Flaminio
Saturday 12th Feb: vs England -- Twickenham
Saturday 26th Feb 11: vs Wales -- Stadio Flaminio
Saturday 12th Mar 11: vs France -- Stadio Flaminio
Saturday 19th Mar 11: vs Scotland -- Murrayfield
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