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Anyone who follows Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada’s Instagram feed knows he likes to watch Italian clubs live. He is a regular at Benetton and Zebre in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and EPCR Challenge Cup, and even takes in matches in Serie A Elite, the level below the URC.
As such, you can only imagine how frustrated he would have been watching from his Milan home as both sides booked home semis in this season’s Challenge Cup, rather than watching in the flesh at either Stadio Monigo in Treviso or Stadio Lanfranchi in Parma. Frustrated because he would have wanted to be present to toast their progress.
They did so in impressive style. Benetton had already claimed top sport in Pool 2 by the time they kicked off, but that didn’t stop them scoring five tries in a 38-19 win over the Alps in Lyon. Zebre, meanwhile, needed to return from facing Black Lion in Georgia with a win to join Benetton, and after they weathered the first half storm, scored the only points of the second half to win 28-14.
HOME DELIGHTS
It is arguable which of the two teams would have had Quesada smiling the most. He’ll be pleased to see captain Michele Lamaro returning to his best on the flank for Benetton after an autumn when injury niggles hit his form. His fellow flanker Alessandro Izekor was his usual powerful self.
The Cannone brother – Niccolo and Lorenzo – both continued their powerful showings from second row and number eight, while Tommaso Di Bartolomeo Muhamed Hasa were strong in the Zebre front row with the latter among the try scorers. After they made their Italy debuts last year, Quesada will be hoping they continue their challenge to the established faces.
While Paolo Garbisi may have found himself further down the pecking order at Toulon since Tomas Albornoz’s arrival, two of his understudies – Giacomo De Re and Leonardo Marin – showed that they are ready step up. De Re was second choice number 10 in the autumn, and Marin’s ability to cover centre make him a useful player if Quesada opts for a six-two bench split.
Lorenzo Pani looks like he will come back into the conversation over back three places. His last appearance in an Italy shirt featured the fullback scoring the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Try of the Championship award against Wales, in 2024. Then injury struck, and after 82 weeks he was included in the Azzurri squad for the November internationals but didn’t add to his caps. Against Black Lions, he scored a try, made eight carries and two linebreaks, so expect him to receive call from Quesada soon.
BACK AT THE BACK
If that wasn’t enough to make Quesada grin from ear to ear, the performances of his players at non-Italian clubs, will add to the optimism levels.
Juan Ignacio Brex was man of the match as Toulon won on the road to Gloucester. Edoardo Todaro scored a hattrick for Northampton Saints, with prop Danilo Fischetti also in action against the Scarlets. Scrumhalf Stephen Varney and second row Andrea Zambonin helped Exeter Chiefs to a home Round of 16 tie, albeit against Munster.
Quesada’s only stone in his shoe is Garbisi falling behind Albornoz and what that may do for his confidence. To make matters worse, thanks to fullback Marius Domon’s kicking success he has only scored one conversion in his four matches since the end of the November internationals.
Italy have taken their time to make a consistent mark on professional rugby, and 26 years after their Six Nations debut, and 16 after two teams were admitted to the Celtic League, it now appears to be bearing fruit, thanks also to Stephen Aboud’s developmental reforms during his first stint as Head of Technical Direction.
Benetton and Zebre have played their part, and it now on them to kick on through the knockout rounds. They have home advantage, and while Cardiff and Pau will be no pushovers, the Italian sides should be confident of more memorable victories, something that would make Quesada’s smile even wider.