Italy is on the road again. This weekend, their Senior Women’s 15 rugby team is making a rare trip to North America for a test match. They’ll face off against Canada on Sunday in 2021 Rugby World Cup tune-up game. Here’s what to expect from Gli Azzuri on Sunday on their road to New Zealand.
Italy is Finding Success in 2022
Itlay is not a world power in women’s rugby. They have a winning percentage of 34.7% in 164 total games going back to 1985. However, they qualified for the upcoming Rugby World Cup last fall as Europe 1 with wins over Scotland and Spain.
Currently, Italy is ranked sixth in the world by World Rugby. They’ve won their last two games, beating Scotland and Wales at the Women’s Six Nations. A win on Sunday would mark the first three-game winning streak since 2018-19.
The key to victory for Italy is a strong defense. In the Women’s Six Nations, they made 846 tackles, more than any other team. In addition, they only conceded 59 turnovers, the third-fewest in the tournament. Certainly, if Italy can hold their own defensively and limit Canada on the scoresheet, they’ll be in a great position to win.
How Does This Game Impact Italy for the Rugby World Cup?
This game is more important than you might think. Italy and Canada are both in Pool B at the 2021 Rugby World Cup and will meet on October 16th in Auckland. So, this match previews what is coming in less than four months.
Also, this game will help get more of Italy’s stars recognized. Stars like Maria Magatti, whose story and rise to rugby are incredible (as seen in the video above). In addition, names like Michela Sillari and Captain Manuela Furlan are other notable names known in Italy. Sillari is coming off leading her country in scoring at the Women’s Six Nations, while Furlan is the most capped Italian player playing this weekend.
However, this game is going to impact how the team looks tactically come the fall. Earlier this week, Furlan said, “…It will be an opportunity to find and process a lot of information.” She added, “‘Our expectations? Above all, improve our approach to the match and strengthen the clarity to make the best possible decision from a tactical point of view.”
There’s Still Room to Grow
I don’t think anyone is expecting Italy to dominate and crush Canada on their turf. But, it’s still good to have high expectations and not be afraid to fail. That’s the mindset Gli Azzuri will have on Sunday as they continue their path to the World Cup in October. And if they are victorious? All the more reason to be proud and excited for women’s rugby in Italy.