Italy, as a Six Nations participant, did not enter the qualifying fray until the Europe zone’s fourth round, safe in the knowledge that victories against Spain and Romania would continue their ever-present appearance record in the Rugby World Cup.
The Azzurri, as the national team are known, cruised past Spain 50-3 in Valladolid but found the Romanians a tougher than expected opponent and could only muster a 25-17 victory to book their ticket to Australia.
Italy have not progressed past the pool stages in four attempts, but the Azzurri are still assured of their place in the history books having taken part in the first ever Rugby World Cup match against New Zealand on 22 May 1987.
The match proved a one sided affair with New Zealand running out convincing 70-6 winners against a young Italian side. John Kirwan, now Italy’s coach, scored one of the tournament’s greatest ever tries for the All Blacks.
Italy have managed only three Rugby World Cup wins, one in each of the first three tournaments against Fiji, the United States and Argentina respectively, but will be looking to put that right in Australia with a quarter final spot not beyond them.
The Azzurri have improved year by year since their admittance to the Six Nations in 2000, this year’s championship their best by far with much closer matches against the elite and their second-ever win.
The traditional forward orientated style of Italy is making way for a more expansive, all round game with flanker Mauro Bergamasco among the players to have made a name for themselves on the world stage.
Now nearing the end of his illustrious career, Diego Dominguez is one of Italy’s greatest ever players. The Argentina born fly half is the second highest points scorer in Test history with 983 points.