The Italian national rugby team is traveling to Perth to face Australia on Saturday, July 18, at HBF Park. This match marks the final fixture of the Southern Series within the Nations Championship, following Italy’s previous encounters against Japan and New Zealand. The game kicks off at 6:10 p.m. local time (12:10 p.m. CET) and will be broadcast on Sky Sport.
Italy’s Schedule and Logistics in Australia
Following their match in Wellington, the Azzurri are flying to Perth via Auckland, with an expected arrival on Sunday, July 12. According to the team’s official itinerary, Monday, July 13, is reserved for recovery. The team will announce the official match lineup on Thursday, July 16, followed by the Captain’s Run on Friday at 2:45 p.m. local time.
Analysis of Performance Against New Zealand
Italy enters the Australia match after a 47-17 loss to New Zealand at Hnry Stadium in Wellington. Second-row forward Andrea Zambonin attributed the second-half slide to specific episodes that created a “negative loop” for the team. Zambonin noted that while the team showed character by scoring a try while shorthanded, maintaining a result against a top-tier opponent remains a significant challenge.
Zambonin highlighted the team’s “excellent” attitude and desire to improve upon their previous performance against Japan. He stated that the squad must recapture the intensity shown during the first half of the New Zealand match to maximize their potential against the Wallabies.
Nations Championship Southern Series Results
Italy’s campaign in the Southern Series has seen them face three of the region’s most competitive sides. The results of the tour are as follows:
| Opponent | Result | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 10-27 (Loss) | Chichibunomiya Stadium, Tokyo |
| New Zealand | 17-47 (Loss) | Hnry Stadium, Wellington |
| Australia | TBD (July 18) | HBF Park, Perth |
Match Outlook: Italy vs. Australia
The upcoming clash in Perth serves as the season finale for the Italian national team. The team’s primary objective is to translate the early-game momentum seen in Wellington into a competitive performance against Australia. With the match scheduled for July 18, the Azzurri will look to secure a positive result to conclude their Southern Hemisphere tour.