Rugby World Cup – Italy profile: Full squad, head coach, key player, fixtures and odds

A closer look at Conor O’Shea’s side ahead of Japan 2019

As with their yearly outings in the Six Nations, Italy head to the Rugby World Cup with little expectation hanging over their heads.

The Azzurri have failed to make any real impact on the game’s grandest stage. Although they’ve qualified for every tournament since its inception in 1987, not once have Italy progressed beyond the group stages.

They seem destined to meet a similar fate in Japan, too, having been drawn in Pool B alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and Namibia. In reality, Conor O’Shea’s men will be targetting a third-place finish in the group.

Italy will be hoping for a clean bill of health from Leonardo Ghiraldini who is fighting to be fit for the tournament after rupturing knee ligaments during the Six Nations earlier this year. The 34-year-old Toulouse hooker offers more than just experience but a battling presence at the breakdown.

Sergio Parisse, meanwhile, will be playing in his fifth World Cup as he once again leads out his side as captain.

Squad

Forwards: Simone Ferrari, Andrea Lovotti, Tiziano Pasquali, Nicola Quaglio, Marco Riccioni, Federico Zani, Luca Bigi, Oliviero Fabiani, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Dean Budd, Federico Ruzza, David Sisi, Alessandro Zanni, Maxime Mbanda, Sebastian Negri, Sergio Parisse (c) Jake Polledri, Abraham Steyn

Backs: Callum Braley, Guglielmo Palazzani, Tito Tebaldi, Tommaso Allan, Carlo Canna, Tommaso Benvenuti, Michele Campagnaro, Luca Morisi, Mattia Bellini, Giulio Bisegni, Jayden Hayward, Matteo Minozzi, Edoardo Padovani

Head coach

Conor O’Shea​. The Irishman has been fighting something of a losing battle during his time in charge of the Italians. The promise of a renaissance has always been lurking just beyond the horizon, with O’Shea unable to turn the perennial wooden spooners into a genuine European force.

Key player

Matteo Minozzi. The young full-back caught the eye at the 2018 Six Nations where he impressed with a series of dynamic attacking displays that saw him score four tries and earn a place in the team of the championship. His ability to beat a man, and proficiency in crossing the white lane, will prove invaluable for the Italians as they look to take the fight to their opponents in Japan.

The only hitch? Miozzi has been out of action since August 2018 after injuring his ACL. Last month he returned to training with Wasps, whom he signed for at the start of the year, and is set to be a part of Italy’s warm-up preparations. But given the nature of his injury, it’s unclear whether Minozzi will be able to hit the ground running come Sunday 22 September.

Past record

Italy have never progressed beyond the pool stages.

Prediction

See above. 2019 won’t be any different for the Azzurri.

Matteo Minozzi in action during the Six Nations last year (Getty)

Fixtures

• Sunday 22 September – Italy v Namibia (Osaka), 6.15am
• Thursday 26 September – Italy v Canada (Fukuoka), 8.45am
• Friday 4 October – South Africa v Italy (Shizuoka), 10.45am
• Saturday 12 October – New Zealand v Italy (Toyota), 5.45am

Odds

Italy to win the World Cup: 750/1