Rugby Union: Italy to Host All Blacks at Allianz Stadium in November Showdown
The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) confirmed on Thursday that Italy will face the mighty All Blacks at the iconic Allianz Stadium, home of football giants Juventus, on November 23.
This will mark the first time the Italian national rugby union team has played at the renowned venue, formerly known as the Stadio delle Alpi. The decision to host the high-profile match at the Allianz Stadium reflects Italy’s eagerness to promote rugby and leverage the excitement of playing in a stadium that has witnessed some of football’s greatest talents.
The Azzurri’s November international schedule includes a match against Argentina on November 9, followed by a clash with Georgia the following week, before the highly anticipated showdown with New Zealand. Gonzalo Quesada’s Italian squad will be aiming to cap off their campaign with a famous victory over the formidable All Blacks.
Italy’s impressive performance in the 2023 Six Nations, where they won two games and drew one out of their five matches, has given the team a renewed sense of optimism. Finishing just four points off second position was a significant step forward, as they avoided the Wooden Spoon for the first time since 2015.
Furthermore, the in-form Italian centre Tommaso Menoncello was crowned the Guinness Men’s Player of the Championship after an impressive tournament at the 13 position.
The All Blacks, under the guidance of new head coach Scott Robertson, who has taken over from Ian Foster after the 2023 World Cup, will be looking to start a new era with a strong showing against Italy. The former Crusaders coach will first face England in an exciting two-match series on home soil in July, before turning his attention to the Rugby Championship and the end-of-year internationals.
“New Zealand has never lost to Italy in their 16 previous encounters, but the Azzurri will be determined to make history and secure a famous victory against the rugby powerhouse.”
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