Ireland v Italy – Italian perspective on 2010 RBS Six Nations

Team: Italy

Ireland v Italy Stats (All time)
Ireland – W14, D0, L3
Biggest Winning Margin against Ireland: 37-22
Largest Losing Margin against Ireland: 61-6
2009 Six Nations Result: Italy 9, Ireland 38

Chances: Still considered as the whipping boys of the Six Nations, and that can be seen by their play having more enthusiasm and energy than clinical finishing and technique. Still, they are on a learning curve, and more often than not, their humble approach to the game gives a lot to be desired. Their endeavours generally entertain, but they still have some catching up to do, and until that happens, they will still struggle to get out of sixth place. Still, they have actually come a long way since their inaugural Six Nations years, they just need to add some consistency and quality to their ranks from somewhere. The step up in quality is not easy to contend with, although they have the ability to take on a beat most other kind of second tier Rugby nations.

With that said, they look to be stronger than last year, with a much fuller squad to choose from. They will be without one of their big names for the entire tournament, as number eight and captain Sergio Parisse is missing through injury. After only scoring two tries last year, they need to find a little extra drive from somewhere. They are not going to keep it tight against the stronger opposition, so their best form of defence will be to attack really. They have sparks of quality which could ignite, but unfortunately it just doesn’t quite flow throughout the whole team. They aren’t going to be expected to go out and beat the likes of England, Ireland and France, but they will target the Scottish in particular as a potential match to avoid the wooden spoon. It should be another long and test development curve for the Italian’s, but every year, they take a step forward.

Key Man: Their main man, Parisse is out, but they have good news in that they can actually pick a specialised scrum half thanks to no injury worries like last season. Therefore, a lot of the creativity will come from centre Mirco Bergamasco, and he will need to pull the strings with both his kicking and running game. If he is off his game, then Italy will struggle to create anything.

Outright Six Nations Odds
250/1 at Bet365

Ireland v Italy Match Odds
Ireland to win: 1/33 at BetFred
Draw: 50/1 at Bet365
Italy to win: 22/1 at SportingBet