Six Nations, Lamaro and Capuozzo between pride and bitterness

Pride and bitterness after the near feat.

Italrugby defeated, but with their heads held high by defending champion France in their 2023 Six Nations debut. The 24-29 result at the Olympic Stadium, however, generates mixed emotions for the Azzurri, certainly satisfied to have played to the end such a complex challenge but also aware of the great opportunity not taken advantage of.

Indeed, speaking clearly after the game was Michele Lamaro. “In many aspects we played on par with France, but the bitterness in the mouth remains,” admitted the Italy captain. “We allowed them opportunities to score, even though the spaces were right. We want to change our system of attack and pressure, we need more attention and more care.

“We had a good opportunity in lineouts, but it was an opportunity we did not take. Good job they defended in the last action, unfortunately we in the Six Nations will be facing really strong opponents. But we will try to make up for it as early as next Sunday at Twickenham. And we will do our best to play even better,” Lamaro added.

More positive, however, Ange Capuozzo: “We are on the right track, and our performance makes us happy. France is among the best in the world, and certainly losing by only five points is a disappointment. But our offensive game is good, we need to grow again, and at Twickenham we will play another great game.”