Berbizier lauds form of Italian veterans

AFTER Italy’s double in the Six Nations Championship, a country where rugby is definitely a minor sport is looking forward to Saturday’s match against Ireland with unprecedented enthusiasm.

“We had just three victories in seven years,” says Andrea Buongiovanni, rugby writer for the Gazzetta dello Sport. “With two wins in a row we can now, finally, talk about it genuinely as being a tournament of Six Nations.”

It is a shock to see Italy within two points of France and Ireland with one game to play, but not a complete surprise. Their French coach, Pierre Berbizier, believes that the improvement over the past two years comes from the older players providing a platform for new emerging talent.

“I’m most grateful to the players with more experience.

“They support the youngsters on the pitch and give the others the confidence to express themselves.

“We have people who read the game and control it.”

It’s this competitive, big-match experience that Berbizier felt the team lacked last season and which he now believes can bridge the gap with Ireland.

“There are no limits for this group. It has been interesting to see some players take responsibility.

“From now on there is no turning back.”

He also feels he has options available, especially at outside-half.

“Scannavaca did well in the games against England and Scotland, Pez did well against Wales.

“I’ll make a decision between them over the next few days.

“But now I know that we can count on different combinations among the backs.

“By the time we get to the World Cup, I want to have alternatives that guarantee quality.”

As for Mauro Bergamasco, now one of the best flankers around, but who can also play on the wing or as centre, Berbizier jokes that next time he might even use him as a place kicker.

“But Mauro has great ability, and always knows how to adapt to the different phases of the game,” he added.

The atmosphere generated at the Stadio Flaminio against Wales was, he feels, crucial in achieving the narrowest of victories, and is one reason why he has been against the idea of moving to a larger stadium.

“It was nice to see the Flaminio crowd celebrating with the players. Let’s see if we can do the same again,” he said.