After a dissappointing start to their 2023 Guinness Six Nations campaign, England are looking to bounce back from defeat to Scotland. This Sunday, England will be hosting Italy at Twickenham Stadium, in what is not looking to be as straight-forward a victory as first expected.
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For the best part of a decade, Italy would be resoundingly beaten by the home nations and France. They were the odds-on favourites for the Six Nations wooden spoon, and went seven years without a win in the competition from 2015 to 2022.
However now, Italy have ended their losing streak, after beating Wales in the final round of last years’ competition, and looked very impressive against France in this year’s opening fixture.
The ‘Azzurri’ took France to the wire, and were even leading throughout the contest. ‘Les Bleus’ narrowly avoided the upset, with Italy taking home a losing bonus point in the 29-24 defeat.
Italy will again be without their fly half talisman Paolo Garbisi, but do still bring an imposing team to London. Here are five Italy stars England fans need to know before this Sunday’s game.
- Ange Capuozzo
The full-back has been making a name for himself within recent years. Making the headlines after his breath-taking assist, for Edoardo Padovani’s match winning try against Wales, Capuozzo has become a fan favourite for Italy. Born and raised in Le Pont-de-Claix, south-east France, Capuozzo qualifies to represent Italy through his grandparents.
The 23-year-old has been entertaining French rugby fans, and has been tearing up the Top 14 for Toulouse since signing from Grenoble last year. Capuozzo is a tricky side-stepper, with unmatched agility and an explosive turn of pace. Capuozzo upset his regular France admirers, with a try last weekend. Weaving past Gregory Alldritt, Capuozzo dived with one hand to score before being tackled into touch.
Definitely a man for England fans to keep an eye on, Capuozzo will be looking for the slightest gap in the English defence to run through this coming Sunday.