By Francesca Da Ros
Motivation, enthusiasm, determination.
These, in brief, representatives of the Italian rugby team have shown during the ‘RBS Six Nations 2008’ press launch in London.
Nick Mallet, the new coach, and Sergio Parisse, the 24 years old captain, were calm and determinate in front of persisting journalists. “As a team, we are sure that we can win every match – said Parisse – If we didn’t think so, we wouldn’t even play”. With these beginning words, Parisse has made pretty clear the Italian team spirit. Although this team often has been considered more psychologically weak compared to the others, lately the Italians have been leaving behind this kind of inferiority complex that in the past damaged them.
Italy, in comparison with other countries, do not boast a long time rugby tradition and, moreover, this sport in the past suffered from the excessive attention that Italians direct to football. But now, after so many scandals within the football environment, times are changing; rugby, an honest and fair sport, is living a great moment in Italy.
“Italian attitude to rugby is very friendly and enthusiastic – pointed out Mallet – supporters are raising and it’s really this spirit that spurred me to choose this role; I’m very excited because I think Italy has got talented and competitive players”.
During the interview journalists asked them about the last World Championship, a weak point for Italy. “The World Cup has been a huge delusion for us – bitterly told Parisse – our objective was to reach quarterfinals but we failed. Anyway, I consider this recent defeat is pushing us to play the ‘RBS Six Nations’ with more motivation: we want to demonstrate that Italy can play much better than during the World Cup”.
Fixture is quite tough for the Azzurri: the 2nd of February the first match is versus Ireland, a strong team. “We know we are going to play against a powerful opponent, but we also know we can win. We have already won them and we can do it again”.
Coach Mallet finished the conference by talking about this competition: “I consider ‘RBS Six Nations’ the best tournament in rugby for both the top teams playing and the opportunity to visit amazing place, especially Rome. In addition, for Italy it’s an honour to take part in this competition, but it’s also a demonstration that this team have gained the big teams’ respect playing better and better”.
With such motivation we cannot be indifferent, so let’s keep our fingers crossed and go hunting for the last tickets.
Copyright 2008 GIORGIOSTUDIO Ltd – All rights reserved
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