carpelone says...

Agreed with Nick Mallet, the boys were not focused on the task ahead and did behave like if the win against France was alone enough to gear up to another leve.

This was for Italy the best ever 6N and credit must be given to Mallet for this. I am in favour of him staying at least for couple of seasons. Italy was consistently a threat for the other teams, suggesting that a new level was reached.

Few issues:

Italy was more effective at home. Was this due to the fact that the games against England and Scotland followed two great performances at home or to some lack of attitude?

Masi is a much better and dangerous full back than McLean, who is often hesitant with the ball in hand;

Ghiraldini is one of the best hookers in the loose, but he struggles to secure line-outs and to manage the engagements. Could he be an impact player for the last 30 minutes?

Derbyshire seems a little lighter for test level. He can run and off-load, but it is not felt at the breakdown (like Barbieri and Bergamasco). Can he also be an impact player for the last 30 minutes?

Del Fava was hit hard during the match with the French. I would have rather preferred Dellapè.

Leadership in the Italian team is still a problem. Parisse (otherwise the best player in the 6N) seems to easily lose his temper, especially arguing with referees. As an outsider, how can he be helped in this? Would be worth bringing back Bortolami for this? What is the influence of other senior players like Mauro Bergamasco and Ghiraldini?

Sorting the previous issues out would be great to have a decent RWC campaign, not to mention to find somewhere a Test level fly-half and kicker (Mirco should be relieved soon from this duty)

Posted 17:07 20th March 2011