Italy, the rugby of the Azzurri

From Flaminio in 2000 to the exploits in Florence and Cardiff

Italy played its first match of the Tournament on 5 February 2000 at the Flaminio Stadium in Rome and immediately defeated Scotland, 34 to 20, with twenty-nine points from fly-half Diego Dominguez. The Azzurri have since achieved some remarkable victories: against France in 2011, 22 to 21, against South Africa in Florence in 2016, and against Wales in Cardiff in 2022, thanks to a breakthrough by Ange Capuozzo in the final seconds. Since 2012, they have been playing at the Stadio Olimpico, a venue of about seventy thousand seats nestled at the foot of Monte Mario, where the Tournament matches are often sold out.

The other nations of the Tournament

The nations of the Tournament also include:

• France.
• Ireland.
• England.
• Scotland.
• Wales.

All the nations of the Tournament are gathered on the VI Nations page.

Treviso, Parma and rugby from northern Italy

Italian rugby has developed in the northern part of the country, in Veneto, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna, where cities like Treviso, Padua, Rovigo, and Parma have lived for the oval ball for decades. The top level now relies on two franchises competing in the United Rugby Championship: Benetton Treviso, long supported by the textile group of the same name, and the Zebre, based in Parma. These teams face the best Irish, Welsh, Scottish, and South African provinces, exposure that has helped improve the national players. Many players have also grown up in French clubs, as illustrated by Sergio Parisse, who was long captain of Stade Français.

Authentic shirts, cotton or down jackets: dressing in Azzurri

Supplier to the Italian federation since 2017, Macron, a company from the Bologna region, produces sky blue shirts, the colour of the House of Savoy that ruled over unified Italy. The authentic version, fitted and stretchy, resembles that of the players; the supporter version, looser, is worn for everyday use, and the cotton shirt, thicker, evokes the kits of the amateur era. For matches in February in Rome or Saint-Denis, the down jacket with removable sleeves transforms into a sleeveless vest, while the hat and scarf protect against the cold. The little ones have their baby set in the team colours.

Good deals

Good deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday in late autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Garibaldi Trophy?

The trophy awarded each year to the winner of the match between France and Italy, created in 2007 for the bicentennial of Giuseppe Garibaldi's birth. Born in Nice, the hero of Italian unity also fought alongside France in 1870.

Why was France-Italy played in Lille?

In February 2024, the Stade de France was booked for the preparation of the Olympic Games: the Blues faced Italy at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Lille. The match ended in a draw, 13 all, after a last Italian penalty hit the post.

Does Italy have a competitive under-20 team?

Yes, the Italian under-20 team has achieved notable results against major nations in its Tournament. It serves as a breeding ground for the Treviso and Parma franchises, and several current starters of the Azzurri have come from it.

Has Italy ever beaten Australia?

Yes, in November 2022 in Florence, 28 to 27, for the first time in its history. Both teams regularly meet during end-of-year tests or summer tours, often in close matches.

What Azzurri product should I gift to a child?

The sky blue child’s shirt, a hoodie, or, for the little ones, the baby set that combines top and bottom. The size should be chosen based on the actual stature rather than the indicated age, allowing a bit of room for growth.