Ange Capozzo is best known for his attacks from the touchline, but the Italian full-back showed a different side to his game as he stepped up to defend Italy’s Six Nations record.
Italy, who lost their opening game twice, will travel to Lille on Sunday (February 25) to face France, adding to the 18 players they have registered since joining the former Five Nations in 2000. Faced with the possibility of adding more spoons.
Further failures will undoubtedly add fuel to the debate among critics who question their right to automatically qualify for Europe’s top international competition ahead of the likes of Georgia and Portugal.
“The Six Nations is always a closed league so it’s not like there are ups and downs,” Capozzo, 24, told AFP.
“This is a very old contest and I would ask critics to look at the archives and learn about the downturns that certain countries have experienced, especially France, Scotland…”
The statistics are not kind to Italians. Of the 120 games Italy has played in this competition so far this season, they have won just 13 and drawn one.
According to Statista, this is by far the worst record of any country taking part in the tournament, followed by Scotland, who won 39 of their first 120 matches.
“Yes, Italy has been a member of the Six Nations for just over 20 years,” Capozzo said.
“It may seem like a long time, but based on the experience of this tournament, it is also a very short time.
“It’s not enough to create real policy and real change in culture in our country… It’s not enough to get kids into rugby schools earlier and get more people into stadiums.
“It’s a slow process and I think it’s been a long and difficult journey for Italy to get from where it started to where it is today.”
Italy suffered a heartbreaking 60-17 loss to France at the World Cup at the end of 2023, and a humiliating 96-17 loss to New Zealand as a Tier 1 team.
~”Extraordinary moment”~
Nevertheless, the Toulouse flyer claims that the World Cup was the high point of his career.
“Even though it took away a huge amount of energy, both physically and mentally, it was a special moment in the player’s career and I have nothing but fond memories,” Capozzo said. .
“This is a moment that will allow us to grow in our approach to the sport, our preparation and our motivation.”
Italy’s new reality under new manager Gonzalo Quesada got off to an encouraging start, defeating England in Rome but losing 27-24 in the opening game of the Six Nations.
A less disappointing 36-0 result for Ireland in Dublin followed, and there was even more pressure in the France Test in Lille.
Capozzo, who was born and raised in France and qualified for the Italian national team through the influence of his paternal grandparents, downplays the added pressure of playing in his “home country” and trying not to sing along to the Marseille team. .
“I think I’m past the emotional stage,” he said.
“I’ve already played twice in the Six Nations and the World Cup with France. Of course, I’ve been checking it out, but it’s always going to be a game with a difference, but I’m just as important as France right now. “I’m watching someone else.” “
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