Pool C, against New Zealand, Scotland, Romania and Portugal (who had been beaten 83–0 by Italy in the qualifiers), with the goal of reaching the quarter finals for the first time. However, in the crucial group match against Scotland, Italy were undone by indiscipline. Chris Paterson kicked all of Scotland's points in an 18–16 victory, despite Italy crossing the line for the game's only try. European championships Before 2000, Italy was one of the leading European teams outside the Five Nations, along with Romania, and for a while the USSR. Italy competed in the original European Championships from 1936 to 1938, but World War II meant that the tournament would not resume until 1952. Italy then competed in these tournaments from 1952 to 2000. Italy achieved only one victory, the 1995–97 FIRA Trophy. Thirties wins The fifties: the European Cup, Italian positions The Nations Cup 1966–73 The FIRA Trophy 1974–97 Players Current squad On 29th January Kieran Crowley announced a 33-man squad for the Italy's opening two matches of the 2023 Six Nations matches against France (5 Feb) and England (12 Feb). On 20th February Kieran Crowley announced a 35-man squad for the match of the 2023 Six Nations against Ireland (25 Feb); Buonfiglio, Zambonin and Montemauri replace Polledri. Head Coach: Kieran Crowley Caps updated: 25 February 2023 Coaches Current coaches Kieran Crowley (Head Coach) Marius Goosen (Defence) Corrado Pilat (Backs) Andrea Moretti (Forwards) Giovanni Sanguin (Skills) Coaching history Updated 7 February 2023 Player records (career) Most caps Last updated: Italy vs Ireland, 25 February 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only. Most tries Last updated: Italy vs Ireland, 25 February 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only. Most points Last updated: Italy vs Ireland, 25 February 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only. Most matches as captain Last updated: Italy vs Ireland, 25 February 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only. Player records (single match) Most points in a match Last updated: Italy vs Ireland, 25 February 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only. Most tries in a match Last updated: Italy vs Ireland, 25 February 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only. See also Italy A national rugby union team Italy national rugby league team Top12 United Rugby Championship References External links Federazione Italiana Rugby official site Rugby union in Italy European national rugby union teams