Why Italy will be a stronger force come the 2024 Six Nations.
Italy ended this year’s Six Nations disappointed and frustrated in equal measure. The performances were certainly more positive and a points difference of -60 was the best in a decade, but still not enough for Italy to avoid bringing home the wooden spoon. The thought of meeting hosts France and the formidable All Blacks at the World Cup in 6 months doesn’t muster feelings of confidence that things will get better. Italy may be destined for their customary 2 wins and no quarter-final at this summer’s tournament, but over the horizon of 2023 there is a four-year cycle that Italy have been planning for. Whilst other nations will be looking to regenerate their squads after the retirement of their older, experienced players, Italy (and hopefully Kieran Crowley) will be able to retain and build on the large majority of this year’s squad. This is why Italian fans should feel hopeful whatever happens this summer. After the announcement of Stuart Hogg’s decision to retire post-World Cup, I...
