Genuinely superb analysis that lazier pundits could really learn from, if only they analysed instead of constantly shopping for overcoats and pointy brown shoes.

Coming back immediately after seeing the Italy-Wales game. Now when I think of Italy, I think of Garbisi lying exhausted on the grass after that final conversion and Lamaro being that one man army when down 2 men against Ireland. Thanks for giving us the heads up, Squidge. This is a magnificent Italy side and I can’t wait to see where they go.

Back after Italy's win -- really exciting, young squad. Squidge's prediction Wales might have a tough time as their last opponents proving prophetic.

As an italian, rugby was my favourite sport growing up, but in the last three or four years I lost interest in it due to... let's just say life. I'd watch the world cup and the occasional big game here and there (plus squidge's videos) but honestly I don't remember the last time I watched my national team. It might have even been when they played in Japan. But this video has got me really excited for the upcoming 6 nations! Thanks Squidge!

That comparison to France is really interesting, I hope Italy win it before their 49th year though...

I have litterally never watched a skillshare ad in full. normally i skip 10-30 seconds ahead, but this segway was so smooth I watched it all without realizing it was an ad. Great vid as always.

Looks like you were spot on with your prediction here Squidge.

I'm not even Italian but I would really love to see Italy lift the Six Nations trophy one day.

Oh man I got a wee bit emotional watching this. I'm Scottish but my old man is from the big boot and I got my passion for rugby from him. It's frustrating watching the BBC who just say things along the lines of "results haven't been good enough" and "get the relegated" you won't see an indepth discussion about their progress at younger levels. The talk of relegation is quite frankly disrespectful. That being said I'm all up for Georgia joining in but not at the expense of any other team. The only people who would complain are the English clubs. Fuck them we all want to play rugby and make new friends. You can only win if you pass the ball to people you don't know.......yet

The radiohead references keep my hopes in Italy alive. Edit: with this video I will bet my house on an italian Grand Slam this year. Thank you Squidge!!

Always great to see your videos about the azzurri as an Italian! Very interesting take on Padovani, however I suspect Capuozzo might also be more than an interesting option for the number 15! He displayed some really sparkling attacking rugby with Grenoble (France most Italian team), attracting the attention of Top14 teams like Toulouse (a fairly good French team), but also showing some great tactical awareness/dispositions for his debut with Italy A, being very consistent under high balls, whilst perhaps also being able to play a role like the one you're attributing to Padovani, as Capuozzo grew up as a fly-half, and even made his debut as a scrum-half at Grenoble.

Bro. This is sublime

I've been following you for years by now, and I love your videos, but this... this is special. You have made a perfect analysis of the Italian situation. Conor O'Shea has been one of the best coaches Italy has ever had. He focused his attention on young players' development, not only on senior team (thing that should be done by the entire Fir structure). In fact former Fir president, Gavazzi, was far from helping the Italian clubs in players development. Now, with Marzio Innocenti guiding the federetion, the perspective is different and focused on the future, as you said, and finally there is a structure behind this big change of thoughts that O'Shea wanted to bring. P.s. Don't forget that Franco Smith was named head coach of the Italian national team because of Howley's scandal, so he was a plan B.

The greatest love story of our time: Squidge Rugby and Paulo Garbisi

Based on this analysis I have just watched Italy v England U20 and was thoroughly impressed with their youngsters

I'm gonna say it, Italy to beat Wales this year... Wales have been papering over the cracks and missing some key players while I know they always show up for the six Nations, they might just get caught this year. Also, the only thing the competition needs more than a strong Wales is an Italy win.

Italy have always been one of my favourite sides to watch. And I use a lot of their phases of play, to show my son how Rugby should be played. Best of luck to them.

I’m so new to rugby, being from America and still looking for my “team”. This video really got me hyped! Thanks.

The age grade level for Italy is starting to compete with the best in the world. I'm super excited for the next few years, and I know everyone has been patient to date but it definitely does feel like a changing of tides.

The fact that the Italian rugby union is teaming up with the Italian soccer union is probably the best thing to happen to rugby in Italy. Rugby is not played all over the country right now but if it can grow in popularity and kids from all over italy play it at a young age Italy will have a bright future

Watching Squidge rugby videos is like watching the prerecorded lectures I should be doing... it takes a lot longer to watch the whole video than the length of the video suggests. But in this case I'm here for it.

I had no idea that the Italian youth sides were so good, it's good to hear because watching Italy in the 6N has been painful the past few years.

as an italian supporter endurance the last 10 years had been to be fair distressing. your videos are alway a spark of hope, i know that the turn is not around the corner but just watching a team that can force the opponent to toil for the win would already be a win to me. and also would make the tournament way more enjoyable for everyone else

I’m always excited when you talk about Italy, I like the optimism and I get excited about them. This is the first time I’m getting a little worried about them. Can’t wait to see what they produce.

As someone who has been a passionate Italy supporter for many years (Italian Mum/English Dad), I thank you for putting this together. It has been tough watching the national Italian team play over the years but this video outlines all the work happening in the background to build a solid foundation for rugby amongst the younger generation.The scores at the U18/20 level are starting to reflect this and am optimistic for the future. I hope Sergio gets the sendoff he duly deserves in the upcoming 6 nations.

Thank you for giving us, Italy supporters, some hope for the future 😁

Came here after Italy's magnificent outing in the Six Nations. You called it first, Squidge

This video is made even more substantial by the outcome of this weekend's game in Cardiff

Squidge is very good at making you think Italy will win the six nations xD

Thank you for your videos... They're the most detailed on KZfaq, especially for the latter ... I am one of the many Italian fans supporting a change in Italian rugby. The thing that trusts me most are the new generations starting to revolutionize our game... Grazie and see you soon

Thank you very much. I loved this positive look at the underdogs. It makes me excited to see what Italy can do in this year's tournament. However, could this video be played every time some dinosaur analyst said the words Italy and Georgia in one sentence in the upcoming Six Nations? I'm so sick of that discussion.

France 12th win in the 5N was in 1931 which was "only" their 17th participation as the 5N did not take place during WW1. While it is true that their 13th win only happend in 1947, it is because they were kicked out of the tournament (and due to WW2 they did not return before). France achieved it's 12th victory after 67 games and it's 13th after 68 games in the tournament. Italy achieved it's 12th victory after 78 games and is still wainting it's 13th win after 110 games. By comparison, after 110 games, France was totaling 32 wins (and 2 shared overall win). I mean no disrespect to Italy and do not think they should be kicked out of the 6 nations, but even compared to France, they are slow to catch up.

Here after the defeat of Aussie for the first time ever. This video was some pretty good foreshadowing. Keen for a well-blooded Italian side to compete for the 2027 World Cup

After less than 2 weeks this is already lasting well with the result of the U20s!

Great analysis, thanks! I would also suggest you have a look at Ange Capuozzo, a brilliant fly half doing wonders in the Pro D2, and now part of the Italian squad.

Kieran Crowley is an excellent coach and player developer. I was so angry when Taranaki dropped him as head coach, he had been slowly building towards a younger team with a more complex play style.

That comparison to France is a bit of a stretch to say the least, considering two world wars happened in that period (plus there was one fewer game every tournament).

Enjoyed that. As a typical Kiwi, the rugby world revolves around us, so we'd like to believe. So, it's a little bit of an enjoyable learning curve finding out about a likely Italian turn of fortunes, or at least the realisation that they may very well be on the cusp of better times. Here's hoping they don't fk it up!

Italy U20 beat Scotland U20 by 40 points in the U20 championship last year. The problem for Italy is that at Senior level the Scotland team will be bolstered by elite South African and NZ imports, brought in via the grandparent rule, or qualified via residency after a mutually beneficial spell at Glasgow or Edinburgh. Meanwhile the foreigners who represent Italy tended to end up in Italy because they weren't good enough to play professionally anywhere else.

I played rugby when I was at school but then largely stopped paying attention at it, even though I love the sport, mainly because I was repelled by its poshness (it's particularly strong where I live) and associations with domestic violence, among other sexist tones to it. Discovering this channel a while back has allowed me to reconnect with the sport and your sort of analysis, which focuses in tactics but doesn't ignore the political aspects of the game, is an example of how to think reflectively and crtically of rugby while still appreciating it as the wonderful game it is and how important it is to a lot of people and communities around the world. Guess this is a way of saying: great work Squidge, keep it up.

Now Italy won his first match after yeeeaars, G-beezy won the France title and the U20 national team is flying on summer Six nations.. So your analysis was something as brave as technically spot on..

Absolutely loved all the Radiohead references!

Thank you for this objective and in depth analysis. It sounds prophetic after the U20 championship and the win in Waless. It is so important to have balanced and objective analysis. Too often I read harsh and sometimes unfair / unrespectful commentaries.

another great vid. Hope to see Italy kick on. It'll be better for the entire competition.

Garbisi in good recent form for Montpellier, steering them to win (a) v La Rochelle last wk, an opportune drop kick with the last play of the first half, closing out a HC win v Exeter

A huge benefit of the 6Ns is it is held in major European capital cities. It’s easy for fans to drag along partners/family to coincide a match with a holiday. Rome is a two hour flight, while Georgia is nearly a 7 hour one. Kicking out Italy to replace them with another developing team is not only counter-productive to the narrative of “growing the game” it also damages a key selling point of the tournament. Adding Georgia might be a good step (and maybe basing them closer to Western Europe which denies them home support but enables large away travelling fan base) for the game but not at the expense of Italy. Their underage set up is showing blue shoots of promise! Great vid as ever Squidge

Italians, i wish you the best !!

Thank you Robbie and Will. Really excellent deep dive.

I don't think I've seen anyone do squarespace adverts as well as this series. Superb.

Your stuff is always top notch and filled with both great insight and excellent humour. Keep that fantastic content coming.

This was really enjoyable and informative. Thank you so much :)

I get notifications for Squidge and Wibbles simultaneously? So much for spreading out the content!

I'm watching this once a week, thank you for this analysis that brings so much hope!! Cheers from Torino

Amazing video as usual man

Love your videos man! Please do a video on the sevens tournament and the Blitzboks!!

I just discovered this channel. It’s one of those channels that takes something I have an occasional interest in and just becomes completely engrossing. Already bingeing and learning. Excellent stuff.

I'm an simple man, when I see squidge put out a video I click, when I see squidge put out a video on my italians! I double click!!

Tell you what, I am really impressed by how much you know about the "movimento". Good job mate!

My mental image of Italian rugby will forever be ruck gate

Brilliant analysis! Thanks

very interesting, do more deep dives, loved it

Like others Italians have said, you give us the opportunities to wait the upcoming six nations with a little bit of excitement! Thank you!

Brilliant video. You should do one on the SLAR when it starts up again!

You jinxed Paolo massively mate. He had a shocker 💔

Kieran Crowley had the same problem the other coaches minus O’Shea had when coaching. Let me be clear, when KC coached Canada, he was only focused on the national team which is fine, but the entire age grade system here needs an overhaul, grass roots needs so much help. But hey at least we have a pro team in the Arrows right?

amazing. Real sports journalism. Well fff done.

That was amazing!

Very informative and way beyond typical pundits esp dell’aglio who has 100% downplayed any Italian heritage that he might as well change his name to Smith

Totally fascinating. I would love Italy to be competitive and always felt so sorry for the great Parisse playing in a losing team. Superb analysis.

Yes to vibes over facts!! 😂 Come on Italy we are all rooting for you!

And just like that, the italy - france game of next week became the most exciting one to me

And Lo! it came to pass eleven days later that italy U20s did beat England 6-0 . And squidge was proved right......

Thoroughly enjoying these Radiohead puns.

what a brilliant breakdown

Great work.

I so hope you're right; I want to see a competetive Italy; they're miles ahead of Georgia but the gulf to the rest of the 6N means that they're in a strange no-man's land. Let's hope it changes. Forza Italia!!

What a total pseud. Results are everything.

The sneaky Radiohead album references were brilliant good sir

The first time that I ever see mentioned Aboud's reform and the presidency shift in an Italian rugby analysis. No one is taking in account these factors. Good job as always

Only Squidge could make a sponsorship plug sound so enticing and fit in so perfectly in the tale of Mamuka the hacking enfant prodige

If I’ve learned anything from the days of the pro 14, it’s that Crowley can turn things around for Italian rugby in a relatively short amount of time. If they don’t cause havoc this year, then next year is bound to be chaotic

Excellent Squidge. So hope it all comes true…

As an Englishman who went to university in wales with a cousin who plays for the ROI football team, I am a lifelong Italy rugby supporter and it is very tiring to hear the kick Italy out comment every year, from people with only a flighting interest in the sport having maybe watched 2 Georgia games in their life. What Italy is building looks very promising right now and I for one will happily sit by and watch them lose back to back to back games but each time see improvements from individuals and the team until one day we can watch it all pay off once they beat a France or England in London or Paris and silence the anti Italy voices for a few years. also, side note the way world ranking is calculated it harsh on Italy as they only play other tier one nations non stop compared to the likes of goergia who can coast free wins of romania when italy are decidily the better side as shown the last few times they have played ;) Great video Squidge

Italian here: a miserable pile of sadness. We always root for them, but I don't know if this tournament is going to be the one where we finally snap the losing streak. And even after that it's going to be a long climb to respectability. Consistency is so hard to achieve and goes far beyond a few nice plays here and there.

Can't wait to welcome them in our Stade de France this sunday!!!

GREAT Video mate, really enjoyed a lot everything, expecially the defensive system analysis. For those of you who speak italian and wish to have a recap in italian i did one in my channel. THNX Squidge for your great optimism (we need it :-) ) and support for italian rugby

Recently watched a rugby pass documentary on Italy really hope they can improve but certainly looks like they are building towards something special.

Thanks for not stating the obvious as everyone. I hope you are right, being an italian rugby fan is just an act of faith, you preached very well.

Ti sei dimenticato Andrea Masi nell' introduzione ma bell' analisi molto accurata, complimenti.

The square space ad was seamless 🤣

20 minutes of squidge rugby 😍😍

You're the best at this, Squidge. Love your analysis (Rassie maybe pips you. Maybe.)

The Italian coaches should have a look at this.. what an analysis! :)

Grazie Squidge

Italy are always building. Cathedrals did sometimes take centuries to build I guess. Hope something comes out of it. Love their spirit and style when it works.

Great video lots too look forward to from the Italians in the future. The comparison between France doesn't really make sense, because France was excluded from the tournament not long after joining, then after WWII rejoined.

Love your videos, Squidge. Can I present what is maybe an unpopular opinion about the Italy/Georgia thing? I genuinely think that the ‘promote Georgia’ (or ‘relegate Italy’) ‘hacks’ are a vocal minority. The debate often gets misrepresented by this vocal minority. For most, the question is not whether Italy deserve their 6N membership. It’s an issue of fairness. There is currently no sustainable means for teams like Georgia to progress. (The issue would be exactly the same even if Italy were winning regularly - which they will soon as you suggest!) And re- your statement that ‘Georgia aren’t there yet’: I think it’s a little unfair to expect Georgia (etc.) to develop to that ‘level’ while they’re forcibly excluded from the benefits that being part of a closed member club gives (esp. money and time together as a team). Even Japan, a country with a fine rugby tradition and plenty of money, struggle to maintain that level consistently because they’re excluded from 6N/TRC. This is not a level playing field. Anyway, this is just my way of saying that the debate should not be about whether Georgia should replace Italy, but about how to demolish the exclusivity of both the 6N and Rugby Championship.

I'm just watchin now your content and it seems like it's right now, you did rigt predictions about the potential of Italy. So what about now? I can clearly see much more improvemets, even just from the last season, the U20 reached the third place in the 6N U20 pool whit thee winnings (a remarcable one against Englad, first of ever against them) while the seniores is getting better in every phase of game and even the defeates showed of good perfomances of many palyers. We must consider some "top" player still out for injuries, like: Riccioni, Licata, Minozzi and may be Mori (Not sure if injury for mim). I really hope keep seeing this as a supporter, I hope It would be a good RWC for us on the next year, I hope to see the best XV we could offer to struggle on a really hard pool. Thankyou for your work!

I hope Italy does well 🇮🇹

For years I've been (secretly) cheering on the Italians. I would instantly buy a ticket for the Italian band wagon if they started winning games in the six nations. What a tournament it would become!