South African-born former Italy lock Carlo del Fava hopes Rassie Erasmus’ call on Italy is correct.
After the Springboks’ three-Test series against the Azzurri in 2025, Erasmus made it clear that Italy were no longer a side to be spoken about in hopeful terms alone.
“They’re a team who – according to me – are on an upward curve at the moment if I look at their performances against us,” Erasmus said. “Our matches against them were definitely not easy.”
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That assessment has been echoed by Del Fava, who believes the upcoming Six Nations could be the tournament where Italy finally begin to match promise with results.
“Look, it takes a very brave man to question a prediction from someone like Rassie,” Del Fava said.
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For Del Fava, Italy’s opening exchanges will be crucial in measuring just how far they have come.
“This weekend’s match against Scotland will, however, tell me a lot about where the Italian team currently stands,” he said.
“Scotland are, for me, one of the strongest dark horses, and if they can manage to play flat out for a full 80 minutes, they will be a very difficult team to beat.”
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Italy’s recent performances against elite opposition have already offered encouragement. Narrow defeats in November left a lingering sense of opportunity missed.
“I think Italy were very unlucky not to win those matches against New Zealand and Argentina in November,” Del Fava said.
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Looking beyond Rome, Del Fava has backed England to emerge as eventual champions.
“I think this year’s tournament will provide a watershed moment in determining who really is the leading team in the northern hemisphere,” he added.
Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
The post Ex-Italy lock backs Rassie’s bold statement appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
South African-born former Italy lock Carlo del Fava hopes Rassie Erasmus’ call on Italy is correct.
The post Ex-Italy lock backs Rassie’s bold statement appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
