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New Italy coach Nick Mallett said today a tough itinerary and several team changes made it unlikely his team would repeat last year’s Six Nations performance when they won two games for the first time.
“That’s very difficult. We’ve got three games away and only two at home,” Mallett told reporters.
“If you’re realistic and you look at the games they won last year, you’ll never see a game like Scotland again, where Italy scored three interception tries on the first five minutes.
“That was a freakish result, even though they deserved to win in the end.”
The former Springboks coach said it would take time for the Italians to adjust to the loss of retired scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon and to the changes he was making.
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These include his decision to drop flyhalf Ramiro Pez and to name number eight Sergio Parisse captain in the place of lock Marco Bortolami, who in the team but misses the first two matches through injury.
“I think this is going to be a tough Six Nations for Italy,” he said. “We’ve lost Troncon, we have a new captain, a new coach and I’m trying new halfbacks.
“So to be realistic, I don’t make any predictions about wins. I’d just like us to play some good quality rugby.”
Andrea Masi, who usually plays centre, is tipped to take the number 10 shirt after Mallett left the inconsistent Pez out of his squad for the opening games against Ireland and England.
Benetton Treviso’s Simon Picone is favourite to start at scrumhalf, as Mallett has also dropped Troncon’s former understudy Paul Griffen.
Despite the cautious tone, Mallett has not given up hope of taking the scalp of one of the countries the Azzurri have yet to beat in the Six Nations; Ireland, England and France.
“I expect Italy to be competitive in every game and to play with courage, heart and pride,” he said.
“If we can stay close to our opponents up to the last 10 minutes, we can win any game”.
He also offered encouragement to Pez, Griffen and Saracens hooker Fabio Ongaro, another surprise omission from his squad.
“I made the selections that I hope are best for the future,” he said. “I’ve spoken to the (dropped) players and told them they may be recalled if there are injury or form problems. It is not an exclusion for all time.”
Italy open their campaign away to Ireland on Feb. 2 and host England at the Stadio Flaminio eight days later. They then travel to Cardiff and Paris before hosting Scotland in the final round on March 15.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.