2016 Six Nations: Italy preview
Monday 1 February 2016 17:23, UK
Another basement battle beckons as Jacques Brunel heads into his final Six Nations in charge of Italy.
The Azzurri have not progressed under Brunel's stewardship and flopped yet again at the World Cup. With an ageing squad and a lengthy injury list, they remain as far away as ever from competing for the championship.
Head coach: Jacques Brunel
Captain: Sergio Parisse
Last year: 5th
Strengths: Given their lengthy problems, Italy will be relieved that captain Sergio Parisse is fit and firing. Ten uncapped players will bring some freshness to an ageing squad.
Weaknesses: Italy have conceded 40 tries over the last two Six Nations and are often exposed in the final 20 minutes. Their lack of squad depth has also resulted in heavy defeats towards the latter end of the championship, shipping 61 points on last year's final day against Wales and 52 against England in 2014.
Who we will love: Parisse turns 33 this year so take every opportunity to watch the talismanic No 8 in action. He admits he would swap his 114 caps for a Six Nations title, but leading Italy to a third-place finish for the first time would signify a major step in the right direction.
Who will split opinion: Italy's long list of flaky fly-halves continues, with Tommaso Allan struggling at the World Cup. He is currently injured so Kelly Haimona or Carlo Canna will be tasked with providing some spark to their backline.
MVP: Aside from the obvious choice of Parisse, Edoardo Gori is an authoritative figure who will boss his forward pack around the park. The scrum-half isn't afraid of carrying into contact himself and will attack the fringes. Whoever starts at fly-half will rely on his experience.
The big debate: Is it time for the Six Nations to introduce a promotion/relegation system? Georgia garnered plenty of support during the World Cup and are banging on the door, with Italy making little progress since their inclusion in 2000.
