Italy - Six Nations
The Italian rugby union team are also known as the Azzurri (blues) and “The Gladiators of Rome”. Italy have been playing international rugby since the late 1920s, and today are considered one of the best rugby nations in Europe and compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Italy really came to prominence following 2000 when they became a part of the Five Nations, making it the Six Nations.
Italy achieved their best result thus far in the Six Nations in the 2007 competition, with wins over Scotland and Wales.
Italy finally joined the Six Nations Championship in 2000 but their admission coincided with the departure of some of their best players. Nevertheless they won their opening game against the reigning champions Scotland 34-20. Since then they have struggled to compete against the other nations and their participation was called into question, however they answered their critics by playing a more disciplined game.
