The Six Nations kicks off next week
and for the first time in many years, Italy fans are not looking
towards the tournament with trepidation.
Kieran Crowley's young side got a massive monkey off their back
when they beat Wales in the last game of the 2022 campaign to
end a seven-year losing run in the competition.
Although they suffered a setback in July with a 28-19 defeat in
Georgia, a side some say have a claim to the Azzurri's Six
Nations slot, they roared back with a strong showing in the
autumn tests, including a first-ever win over Australia.
So optimism is unusually high, thanks in part to the heroics of
fullback Ange Capuozzo, world rugby's breakthrough player of
2022.
Indeed, Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) President Marzio
Innocenti has set the side a target of winning two Six Nations
games this year to equal Italy's best-ever showing.
"I think we can do it," said 23-year-old scrum-half Alessandro
Fusco ahead of Sunday's opener against reigning champions France
in Rome.
"The recent good performances prove that we have grown a lot.
"We are confident because we know we can take on anyone and
everyone, always taking the field to win.
"The team's aim is to improve, day after day, week after week.
"Our focus remains being a team that attacks as much as possible
and asks questions of the opposition's defence"
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