BBC Rugby Union News: Italy’s Rugby Renaissance Gathers Pace Under Innocenti’s Stewardship
Marzio Innocenti, the 65-year-old president and chief executive of the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR), is spearheading a remarkable resurgence of the sport in the country. After inheriting a struggling national team in 2021, the grey-haired administrator is now overseeing a new dawn for Italian rugby.
‘It’s a very stressful period for me at the moment because it’s very clear in my mind I have a chance to change Italian rugby history,’ Innocenti tells Mail Sport in Treviso. Despite the squad’s best-ever Six Nations performance, which included a first home win in 11 years, the FIR chief admits he is ‘really worried for the future’ as he strives to build on this progress.
Italy’s recent exploits have been spearheaded by a new generation of talent, including Six Nations Player of the Championship Tommaso Menoncello. Innocenti believes this team will hit its peak between 2026-2029, with the potential to challenge the traditional European powerhouses.
‘We want to improve the depth of the national team. This is new for Italian rugby,’ he explains. ‘In the past we had a mentality where we thought we weren’t able to play like England or France. I don’t think there is a God of rugby that says in Europe, England, Ireland and France have to be the best. It won’t always be like that.’
The revival can be traced back to before Innocenti’s tenure, with his predecessor Alfredo Gavazzi laying crucial groundwork by investing in youth development. Now, the FIR is reaping the rewards, with a pipeline of exciting young players emerging.
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