Italian rugby president wants more Azzuri glory
Italian rugby supremo Giancarlo Dondi has called on his players to build on their first away victory in the RBS 6 Nations Championship when they take on Wales in Rome on Saturday.
After watching the Azzurri shock Scotland 37-17 at Murrayfield on February 24 - only their fourth win in the tournament in 38 matches – Dondi is desperate for the side to register back-to-back wins.
“Certainly the win in Scotland has given us the right confidence and morale,” Dondi, the president of the Italian Rugby Federation, said.
“But now it is extremely important to build on that win with a victory against the Welsh this Saturday at the Flaminio Stadium.”
Italy’s win against Scotland means Gareth Jenkins’ Wales team are the only side without a victory in the 2007 Six Nations, leaving many to suggest the Welsh are underdogs for the trip to the Eternal City.
However, Dondi quickly brushed aside those sentiments, saying: “I don’t want to hear the word favourite used for us and against Wales. I believe they are a very good team and they are coming to Rome with the intention of beating us.
“They need a victory to boost their morale after three straight defeats, so Saturday will be very difficult for us. We must not make too many mistakes.”
Dondi also hailed the influential support of the Italian fans and was hopeful they would inspire the team to victory.
“I want to see my boys play a great game, even better than two weeks ago at Murrayfield,” he said.
“We need the best support ever from our fans, who have been outstanding in this tournament.”
