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Italy wrap up their Quilter Nations Series campaign on Saturday when they take on Chile at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium in Genoa.
Gonzalo Quesada’s team will be chasing their second win from three this November, against Los Condores who achieved their main target for the year by qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Azzurri started their autumn run with a 26-19 win over Australia and then pushed South Africa for the first hour a week ago before slipping to a 32-14 defeat.
Stay Focused
Italy have played well for the vast majority of two matches this autumn, and they will want to end with a statement win over a lower ranked team, albeit one who know how to swing into attack at a moment’s notice, especially with Santiago Videla pulling the strings.
With just over two years until the World Cup, this is Chile’s chance to make an opening statement, build their experience, and test out any new ideas against a higher ranked side, just one that isn’t too far ahead.
As well as booking their World Cup qualification with victory over Samoa, they also recorded their biggest test win, when they defeat Romania 40-16 in June. They have also enjoyed victories over Brazil and Uruguay this year and will want to end 2025 on a high. Furthermore, they have regularly shown that they are no respecters of reputation.
Quesada has to make at least one change, with flanker Ross Vintcent heading back to the Exeter Chiefs with a dislocated shoulder. After two bruising encounters, it might be prudent to make further alterations, just without disrupting their rhythm, otherwise Chile will be ready to pounce.
Chiefs Leading The Charge
With Vintcent heading back to England’s southwest, it falls to Stephen Varney and Andrea Zambonin to fly the flag for Exeter’s improvement under Rob Baxter. Varney and Zambonin signed for the Chiefs over the summer and have helped the two-time English champions rediscover their mojo after a thoroughly underwhelming season last time, when they finished second last.
Varney is their first choice scrumhalf and looks liberated behind a powerful pack, having struggled with the relegation-bound Vannes in the Top 14 last season. Second row Zambonin, meanwhile, is a big reason why the Exeter pack is growling with menace again.
They have brought that form with them to the international arena. Varney’s box kicks have been on the money and vital in attack and defence, while Zambonin has been crucial to Italy’s defensive efforts, having made 28 tackles over their two fixtures.
Time For Todaro?
Edoardo Todaro has enjoyed a great start to life with Northampton Saints in Gallagher PREM Rugby, and his four tries in five appearances earned him a place in the squad, but he has not yet featured.
Against Australia and South Africa, Quesada opted for a back three of Ange Capuozzo at fullback, and Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane on the wings. They have acquitted themselves well, and all three scored tries.
Still wouldn’t it be a waste not to see what Todaro can do at test level and give him a taste of international life against lower ranked opponents? Opponents they should beat, and opponents who he is likely to enjoy a few try-scoring opportunities against.
Hear Him Roar
David Odiase, remember him? The Italy under-20 flanker whose pre-match speeches at the 2023 World Championship and 2023 Six Nations went viral, and what speeches they were. There he is imploring his teammates to “honour the shirt,” “make our nation proud,” and promising to “fight for your family, if you fight for mine.”
It is great stuff and had the desired effect with Italy recording wins over South Africa and Japan in that tournament. Since then, he has crossed the Alps to play for Oyonnax in France’s ProD2, and is now back in Italy with Zebre, who he helped to two wins from five in their opening United Rugby Championship (URC) fixtures.
He has also won three Italy caps, all off the bench against South Africa. Now, with Vintcent out, could we finally see him run out as part of the starting team? Better yet, can Italian tv broadcast his pre-match musings?
As with Todaro, it appears the time and team is right to give him a chance to show the world that his actions can be just as inspiring as his words.
