Italy Need ‘Perfect Game’ to Beat England

Posted on | February 10, 2012 | No Comments

Italy’s giant-sized prop, Martin Castrogiovanni, believes that his country have never been better placed to defeat England in the Six Nations. However, the 30-year-old’s comments come with a note of caution; Italy will need to play a “perfect game” to overcome Stuart Lancaster’s England on February 11.

The Italians will have the advantage of playing at home, on Saturday, in what will become their first ever fixture at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome. The Italian capital was the venue of the Azzurri’s famous win over France in 2011, meaning that expectations will be high for tomorrow’s clash against England. Those looking at the best betting odds for six nations 2012 will know they still face a tough task though.

Italy lost their first game of the Six Nations 30-12 to continental rivals, France, whereas England snatched a convincing victory over the Auld Enemy, Scotland, allaying concerns about the lack of experience in the side. Castrogiovanni intimated that last weekend’s defeat to Les Bleus was something of an experiment for Italy.

“Jacques Brunel [the Italian coach] has asked us to attack a little bit more”, the Tigers player said. “We are now trying to kick the ball less and not to be so conservative.” Castrogiovanni added that Italian rugby as a whole is changing: “It has gone up a big level with two clubs playing in the Celtic League.”

Despite Castrogiovanni’s optimism, the bookies are not convinced that Italy can overcome England. Lancaster’s men are 2/7 for the win, while the Azzurri come in at 10/3. To win the Six Nations overall, Italy stand as rank outsiders, at up to 750/1 in the online rugby betting. England have odds of 5/1, making the team third favourites, after France and Wales.

Castrogiovanni continued to say that England would be a “tough game. England have a massive big pack of forwards.” However, the Argentina-born prop believes that Italy are strongest in the scrum.

The player is hoping that the home crowd will give Italy the edge. “[They will] give us great energy to play.”

Related posts:

1. Why do Italy persist in being the whipping boys?
2. Italy have shown they are resilient – can they now show they have talent?
3. 2011 Six Nations Championship key men – Italy
4. France vs Italy
5. Are Italy worth a punt in Eurovision this year?

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