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Capuozzo (11'), Bartolomeo (34', 52'), Ioane (61', 71')
Tries
Lues (40'), Saab (47'), Saavedra (79')
Re (11', 53', 62')
Conversions
Salas (41', 48')
Re (23')
Penalties
Italy rounded off a highly satisfying Quilter Nations Series when they defeated Chile 34-19 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa on Saturday.
It means Gonzalo Quesada’s squad end their autumn campaign with two wins from three, after victories against Australia and Chile, either side of a defeat to South Africa.
Hooker Tommaso Di Bartolomeo and winger Monty Ioane scored twice, after fullback Ange Capuozzo crossed early on. Flyhalf Giacomo Da Re added three conversions and a penalty.
For Chile, flanker Clemente Saavedra, wing Nicolas Saab, and hooker Salvador Lues scored tries, and Tomas Salas slotted two conversions.
Here’s what caught ATR’s eye…
Cannone Brings The Boom
For the second time this autumn, second row Niccolo Cannone was named Player of the Match. It was well deserved with the Benetton man throwing himself into the fray and leading from the front. He carried 11 times and made 10 tackles.
If Italy are to continue their progress they need a second row who will provide the grunt and be their workhorse, and for now the elder Cannone brother is filling that role. Alongside him, Andrea Zambonin or Federico Ruzza provide the balance with their lineout prowess. When it looked like Chile were coming back into the game, Cannone and Ruzza took control of proceedings.
If Niccolo took the awards, then younger brother Lorenzo was in his slipstream. He has locked up the number eight shirt and is growing in confidence in the role. Against Chile, he put in another performance with 12 tackles and 12 carries.
The Azzurri have a long history of using siblings. At this rate, the Cannone brothers are in line to be their best yet.
Minutes On The Clock
Italy have come out of their November internationals with a more experienced group. Of the squad that Quesada called up, only winger Lorenzo Pani and centre Damiano Mazza didn’t feature, and as you look down their squad list some key players have now gained some noteworthy experience.
After starting and impressing against Australia and South Africa, flanker Manuel Zuliani came off the bench and made two turnovers against Chile. His now just short of 40 caps and serious competition for captain Michele Lamaro in the number seven shirt.
At scrumhalf Stephen Varney is nearing 40 caps as well, while Martin Page-Relo has over 20. In the front row, Quesada made sure hookers Di Bartolomeo, who now has six caps, and Pablo Dimcheff on three, had the chance to provide more competition for the established pair of Gianmarco Lucchesi and Giacomo Nicotera.
Such thought process was most strongly reflected in Quesada choosing Giacomo Da Re at flyhalf. It made sense to give Paolo Garbisi a rest, but rather than give the near centurion Tommaso Allan a start, Da Re has added another 80 minutes and nine points which will stand him in great stead as the World Cup approaches.
Spicey Chile Making Their Mark
It was the first meeting between the Azzurri and Los Condores and while it was a pity that the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) couldn’t find a better setting than a half-full stadium in rain swept Genoa, both them will have finished happy.
Chile remain a fun side to watch, and this was their first match against Tier One opposition this year after they booked their pace at the 2027 World Cup. Yes, their defence and fitness is loose at times, but that merely reflects their standing and position in the ranking. When they have the chance to run, Pablo Lemoine’s side play some lovely stuff and in doing so they caused Italy problems.
For Italy, it was about the win despite their wobbles. Traditionally, Italy have had issues switching off at vital times, and they did so in Genoa to allow Chile to score just before and after halftime, and shortly before fulltime. The second through Saab will give Capuozzo plenty to contemplate.
Lemoine probably didn’t expect a win, but he will be glad that his team got a few punches in.
Eyes on Scotland
Italy’s players will head back to their clubs in happy heart, looking forward to their next meet-up. That will come before the Guinness Men’s Six Nations which they open at home to Scotland.
Two years ago, Scotland arrived in Rome for round three feeling confident, but that day Quesada’s team clicked, Louis Lynagh made a try-scoring debut, and Gregor Townsend’s side were sent home to think again.
This time the rolls are likely to be reversed. Italy will be the confident ones, and Scotland slightly chastened after failing to land a big fish this November, even if they end with victory over Tonga.
That match will be the time for Italy to take the next step, to show that they can wear the favourites tag, and that they can control opponents for 80 minutes. They have shown they can at times this series, now is the time to start bringing all those positive strands together and do it all match.
