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{{Short description|National sports team}}
{{Short description|National sports team}}
{{distinguish|Italy national rugby union team}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Infobox rugby league representative team
{{Infobox rugby league representative team
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| Region = [[Rugby League European Federation|Europe]]
| Region = [[Rugby League European Federation|Europe]]
| Coach = [[Leo Epifania]]
| Coach = [[Leo Epifania]]
| Captain = [[Brendan Santi]]
| Captain = [[Nathan_Brown_(rugby_league,_born_1993)|Nathan Brown]]
| Most caps = [[Gioele Celerino]], [[Matthew Sands (rugby league)|Matthew Sands]] (16){{efn|name=stats-leaders|Correct as of 22 November 2017. See [[List of Italy national rugby league team players]] for more details.}}
| Most caps = [[Gioele Celerino]] (20)
| Top try-scorer = [[Richard Lepori]] (12){{efn|name=stats-leaders|Correct as of 22 November 2017. See [[List of Italy national rugby league team players]] for more details.}}
| Top try-scorer = [[Richard Lepori]] (12){{efn|name=stats-leaders}}
| Top point-scorer = [[Josh Mantellato]] (116){{efn|name=stats-leaders}}
| Top point-scorer = [[Josh Mantellato]] (116){{efn|name=stats-leaders}}
| Home Stadium = [[Stadio Plebiscito]]
| Home Stadium = [[Stadio Plebiscito]]
| RLIF Rank = 16
| RLIF Rank = 13
| pattern_la1=|pattern_b1=|pattern_ra1=
| pattern_la1=|pattern_b1=|pattern_ra1=
| leftarm1=007CF9|body1=007CF9|rightarm1=007CF9|shorts1=007CF9|socks1=007CF9
| leftarm1=007CF9|body1=007CF9|rightarm1=007CF9|shorts1=007CF9|socks1=007CF9
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| World cup apps = 3
| World cup apps = 3
| World cup first = 2013
| World cup first = 2013
| World cup best = ''Group stage'' ([[2013 Rugby League World Cup|2013]], [[2017 Rugby League World Cup|2017]])
| World cup best = ''Group stage'' ([[2013 Rugby League World Cup|2013]], [[2017 Rugby League World Cup|2017]],[[2021 Rugby League World Cup|2021]])
}}
}}
The '''Italy national rugby league team''' represents [[Italy]] in [[rugby league]] football. With origins dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, the team has competed regularly in international competitions since 2008, when their current governing body, the [[Federazione Italiana Rugby League]], was formed. They are currently ranked 16th in the [[RLIF World Rankings|IRL World Rankings]].
The '''Italy national rugby league team''' represents [[Italy]] in [[rugby league]] football. With origins dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, the team has competed regularly in international competitions since 2008, when their current governing body, the [[Federazione Italiana Rugby League]], was formed. They are currently ranked 13th in the [[RLIF World Rankings|IRL World Rankings]].


==History==
==History==
In 1950, a team from Turin toured the North of England. Italy later started a domestic competition. A year later the first official match of the Italian national team took place in [[Cahors]], France. Italy lost 29–17 although the Azzurri ended the first half leading 10–7.
In 1950, a team from Turin toured the North of England. Italy later started a domestic competition. A year later the first official match of the Italy national team took place in [[Cahors]], France. Italy lost 29–17 although the Azzurri ended the first half leading 10–7.


Sixteen official matches were played against English teams in the season 1952–53, as well as a triangular tournament between Italy, France and England.
Sixteen official matches were played against English teams in the season 1952–53, as well as a triangular tournament between Italy, France and England.
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In 1958, in Treviso under the Italian Federation of Amateur Rugby 13 (FIAR 13) was formed and was recognised by the [[Rugby Football League]]. With this recognition and funding from England, the sport of rugby league became popular in Italy. In their first year, the FIAR had 24 clubs and 620 players.
In 1958, in Treviso under the Italian Federation of Amateur Rugby 13 (FIAR 13) was formed and was recognised by the [[Rugby Football League]]. With this recognition and funding from England, the sport of rugby league became popular in Italy. In their first year, the FIAR had 24 clubs and 620 players.


In 1960, Italy played [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]] in two international matches held in Italy, the results were 37–15 and 67–22 losses. In the late 1960s, threats made by the rugby union governing body, the [[Italian Rugby Federation]], to ban players who played rugby league from their sport had the effect of killing off the sport in Italy by the 1970s. As a consequence the Italian national team ceased to exist.
In 1960, Italy played [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]] in two international matches held in Italy, the results were 37–15 and 67–22 losses. In the late 1960s, threats made by the rugby union governing body, the [[Italian Rugby Federation]], to ban players who played rugby league from their sport had the effect of killing off the sport in Italy by the 1970s. As a consequence the Italy national team ceased to exist.


In the mid-1990s the team were revived by two Italian-Australians, Domenic Pezzano and John Benigni, known as 'The Italian Rugby League A XIII' (IRL A XIII) was formed in 1993.
In the mid-1990s the team were revived by two Italian-Australians, Domenic Pezzano and John Benigni, known as 'The Italian Rugby League A XIII' (IRL A XIII) was formed in 1993.
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After that event, the Italia Rugby League began competing in various international tournaments, such as the [[Super League rugby league nines]] tournament in Fiji, World Sevens, St.Marys Sevens, Wollogong Sevens and the Mediterranean Cup in 1999. They attempted to qualify for the [[2000 Rugby League World Cup]] and ended up in the [[Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament]] in which they were runners-up to [[British Amateur Rugby League Association]].
After that event, the Italia Rugby League began competing in various international tournaments, such as the [[Super League rugby league nines]] tournament in Fiji, World Sevens, St.Marys Sevens, Wollogong Sevens and the Mediterranean Cup in 1999. They attempted to qualify for the [[2000 Rugby League World Cup]] and ended up in the [[Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament]] in which they were runners-up to [[British Amateur Rugby League Association]].


In 2002, the Azzurri were back playing internationals in Italy with a triangular tournament featuring Scotland and Russia. Italy lost to Tartarstan of Russia but tied their second game with Scotland 16 all. In 2003 Italy played Scotland again and contested the Ionio Cup against [[Greece national rugby league team|Greece]], which they won.
In 2002, the Azzurri were back playing internationals in Italy with a triangular tournament featuring Scotland and Russia. Italy lost to Tatarstan of Russia but tied their second game with Scotland 16 all. In 2003 Italy played Scotland again and contested the Ionio Cup against [[Greece national rugby league team|Greece]], which they won.


[[File:Firl.png|thumb|right|Former Italy logo]]
[[File:Firl.png|thumb|right|Former Italy logo]]
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In Autumn 2010 Italy embarked on a short tour of Wales, culminating in a match in Wrexham on 6 October in which they faced [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]] for the first time in a full Rugby League international. The Italian side obtained a remarkable 13–6 victory, the first against a national team of the British Isles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=37814 |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101004082055/http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=37814 |archive-date=4 October 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In Autumn 2010 Italy embarked on a short tour of Wales, culminating in a match in Wrexham on 6 October in which they faced [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]] for the first time in a full Rugby League international. The Italian side obtained a remarkable 13–6 victory, the first against a national team of the British Isles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=37814 |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101004082055/http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=37814 |archive-date=4 October 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2013 they won a warm up match against 3rd ranked [[England national rugby league team|England]] 15–14 making it their most stunning victory.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/oct/19/england-italy-rugby-league-world-cup-warm-up|title=England 14-15 Italy &#124; Rugby League World Cup warm-up match report|website=[[TheGuardian.com]] |date=19 October 2013}}</ref>


===2013 World Cup qualifying===
===2013 World Cup qualifying===
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===2013 World Cup===
===2013 World Cup===
⚫
[[File:Scotland v Italy 2013 RLWC (4).jpg|right|thumb|150px|The Italian team playing in their second kit against Scotland in the 2013 World Cup]]
{{Main|2013 Rugby League World Cup}}
{{Main|2013 Rugby League World Cup}}
{{rugbyleaguebox_collapsible
⚫
Italy were drawn in Pool C alongside [[Scotland national rugby league team|Scotland]], [[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]] and they also played an inter-group match against co-hosts [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]]. Their tournament began with an upset victory over the co-hosts at Cardiff's [[Millennium Stadium]]. In their second match, the 'Azzuri' took on Scotland who were coming off an upset win of their own against Tonga. The match turned out to be a thriller and it was tight with a high scoring draw being the end result. Italy then had to just win their last pool match against Tonga after Scotland won their match and finished their pool-stage campaign with the same points differential the Italians were currently on. Tonga had nothing but pride to play for after their hopes of qualification had vanished but they shocked Napolitano's men by keeping them scoreless and therefore eliminating Italy from having any chance to play in the 2013 World Cup knockout round.
⚫
|date = 19 October 2013
|time =
|team1 = {{rl-rt|England|name=England XIII}}
|try1 = [[Sam Tomkins|Tomkins]] (2), [[Carl Ablett|Ablett]]
|goal1 = [[Gareth Widdop|Widdop]]
⚫
|score = 14 – 15
|report = [http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/37165 Report]
|team2 = {{rl|Italy|name=Italy XIII}}
|try2 = [[Anthony Laffranchi|Laffranchi]], [[Dean Parata|Parata]]
|goal2 = [[Josh Mantellato|Mantellato]] (2), [[Ray Nasso|Nasso]]
|drop2 = Mantellato
|gfm2 =
⚫
|stadium = [[AJ Bell Stadium]], [[City of Salford]]
|attendance = 4,382
|referee = [[Richard Silverwood]] ([[Rugby Football League|England]])
|manofmatch =
|touch =
⚫
}}
Italy defeated England 15–14 in an unranked pre-tournament match, which was described as a "humiliating" loss for England. The Italian team led 12–4 during the first half before England's [[Sam Tomkins]] scored two tries. [[Ray Nasso]] kicked a penalty goal in the 70th minute to level the scores, and [[Josh Mantellato]] kicked a [[Drop goal#Rugby league|drop goal]] in the 79th minute of the game to reclaim the lead for Italy.<ref>{{cite web|date=19 October 2013|title=Rugby League World Cup: England stunned by Italy|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/24565586|work=BBC|access-date=22 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hadfield|first=Dave|date=20 October 2013|title=England 14 Italy 15 match report: England in turmoil after humiliating pre-World Cup loss|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/england-14-italy-15-match-report-england-in-turmoil-after-humiliating-preworld-cup-loss-8891833.html|work=Independent|access-date=22 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/oct/19/england-italy-rugby-league-world-cup-warm-up|title=England 14-15 Italy &#124; Rugby League World Cup warm-up match report|website=[[TheGuardian.com]] |date=19 October 2013}}</ref>

⚫
[[File:Scotland v Italy 2013 RLWC (4).jpg|right|thumb|150px|The Italian team playing in their second kit against Scotland in the 2013 World Cup]]
⚫
Italy were drawn in Pool C alongside [[Scotland national rugby league team|Scotland]], [[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]] and they also played an inter-group match against co-hosts [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]]. Their tournament began with an upset victory over the co-hosts at Cardiff's [[Millennium Stadium]]. In their second match, the 'Azzuri' took on Scotland who were coming off an upset win of their own against Tonga. The match turned out to be a thriller and it was tight with a high scoring draw being the result. Italy then had to just win their last pool match against Tonga after Scotland won their match and finished their pool-stage campaign with the same points differential the Italians were currently on. Tonga had nothing but pride to play for after their hopes of qualification had vanished but they shocked Napolitano's men by keeping them scoreless and therefore eliminating Italy from having any chance to play in the 2013 World Cup knockout round.


===2017 World Cup qualifying===
===2017 World Cup qualifying===
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The final qualification tournament consisted of 6 teams - the top three teams from the European B tournament, the winners of the European C tournament and seeded nations Wales and Ireland. The tournament featured two groups of three teams playing in a [[round-robin tournament|single round-robin]] format. The winners of each group qualified for the World Cup, while the runners-up faced each other in a play-off match on 5 November 2016 to determine the final spot. A seeded draw took place to determine the groups on 5 November 2015. Italy are placed in [[2017 Rugby League World Cup qualification – Europe#Group A|Group A]] alongside European B tournament champions Serbia, and Wales.
The final qualification tournament consisted of 6 teams - the top three teams from the European B tournament, the winners of the European C tournament and seeded nations Wales and Ireland. The tournament featured two groups of three teams playing in a [[round-robin tournament|single round-robin]] format. The winners of each group qualified for the World Cup, while the runners-up faced each other in a play-off match on 5 November 2016 to determine the final spot. A seeded draw took place to determine the groups on 5 November 2015. Italy are placed in [[2017 Rugby League World Cup qualification – Europe#Group A|Group A]] alongside European B tournament champions Serbia, and Wales.

===2021 Rugby League World Cup===
Italy started off their World Cup campaign with a 28-4 victory over Scotland. This was followed by heavy defeats against Fiji and Australia which left Italy third in the group which meant their elimination from the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/rugby-league/53503466/|title=Relive Scotland's World Cup loss to Italy|work=BBC Sport |date=15 October 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/63442735/|title=Rugby League World Cup: Australia 66-6 Italy - Kangaroos cruise to quarter-finals|work=BBC Sport }}</ref>


== Players ==
== Players ==
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|-
|-
!width=28%|Player
!width=28%|Player
!width=2%|Games
!width=2%|Caps
!width=2%|Points
!width=2%|Points
!width=46%|Club
!width=46%|Club
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Daniel|Atkinson|dab=rugby league}}||2||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Sunshine Coast Falcons]]
|{{sortname|Daniel|Atkinson|dab=rugby league}}||3||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Sunshine Coast Falcons]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Nathan|Brown|dab=rugby league, born 1993}}||5||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Parramatta Eels]]
|{{sortname|Nathan|Brown|dab=rugby league, born 1993}}||6||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Parramatta Eels]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Joey|Tramontana}}||9||16||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles]]
|{{sortname|Joey|Tramontana}}||10||16||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Ryan|King|dab=rugby league}}||5||4||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Whitehaven]]
|{{sortname|Ryan|King|dab=rugby league}}||5||4||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Whitehaven]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Jake|Maizen}}||2||16||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Sunshine Coast Falcons]]
|{{sortname|Jake|Maizen}}||3||16||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Sunshine Coast Falcons]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Luca|Moretti}}||2||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Parramatta Eels]]
|{{sortname|Luca|Moretti}}||3||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Parramatta Eels]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Luke|Polselli}}||2||4||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Sunshine Coast Falcons]]
|{{sortname|Luke|Polselli}}||3||4||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Sunshine Coast Falcons]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Jack|Campagnolo}}||5||26||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]]
|{{sortname|Jack|Campagnolo}}||6||28||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Alec|Susino}}||4||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Penrith Panthers]]
|{{sortname|Alec|Susino}}||5||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Penrith Panthers]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Luke|Hodge|dab=rugby league}}||3||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles]]
|{{sortname|Luke|Hodge|dab=rugby league}}||3||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Kyle|Pickering}}||0||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Cronulla Sharks]]
|{{sortname|Kyle|Pickering}}||1||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Cronulla Sharks]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Jack|Colovatti}}||2||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Parramatta Eels]]
|{{sortname|Jack|Colovatti}}||3||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Parramatta Eels]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Ethan|Natoli}}||6||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Newtown Jets]]
|{{sortname|Ethan|Natoli}}||7||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Newtown Jets]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Rinaldo|Palumbo}}||3||0||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[London Broncos]]
|{{sortname|Rinaldo|Palumbo}}||5||4||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[London Broncos]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Nicholas|Tilburg}}||0||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Wentworthville Magpies]]
|{{sortname|Nicholas|Tilburg}}||0||0||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Wentworthville Magpies]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Gieole|Celerino}}||19||38||{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Saint-Gaudens Bears]]
|{{sortname|Gieole|Celerino}}||20||38||{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Saint-Gaudens Bears]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Simone|Boscolo}}||10||20||{{flagicon|FRA}} [[RC Salon XIII]]
|{{sortname|Simone|Boscolo}}||10||20||{{flagicon|FRA}} [[RC Salon XIII]]
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|{{sortname|Alex|Rojatto}}||0||0||{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lignano Sharks]]
|{{sortname|Alex|Rojatto}}||0||0||{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lignano Sharks]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Dean|Parata}}||9||4||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[London Broncos]]
|{{sortname|Dean|Parata}}||10||4||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[London Broncos]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Brendan|Santi}}||14||16||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Keighley Cougars]]
|{{sortname|Brendan|Santi}}||15||16||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Keighley Cougars]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Anton|Iaria}}||6||4||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Barrow Raiders]]
|{{sortname|Anton|Iaria}}||7||4||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Barrow Raiders]]
|-
|-
|{{sortname|Richard|Lepori}}||0||0||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Swinton Lions]]
|{{sortname|Richard|Lepori}}||13||48||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Swinton Lions]]
|}
|}


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{{Rugbyleaguebox
{{Rugbyleaguebox
|bg=#ffcccc
|bg=#ffcccc
|date = 29 October 2017
|date = 27 May 2023
|team1 = {{Rl-rt|Ireland}}
|team1 = {{Rl-rt|ITA}}
|score = 36 – 12
|score = 4 – 52
|team2 = {{Rl|ITA}}
|team2 = {{Rl|SRB}}
|stadium = {{flagdeco|AUS}} [[Barlow Park]], [[Cairns]]
|stadium = {{flagdeco|ITA}} Pasian Di Prato Stadium, [[Udine]]
|report = [https://europeanrugbyleague.com/fixtures/1222 Report (ERL)]
|report = <ref>{{cite web|last=Gabor|first=Martin|date=29 October 2017|title=Stylish Irish cruise past Azzurri|url=http://www.nrl.com/stylish-irish-cruise-past-azzurri-/tabid/10874/newsid/114081/default.aspx|publisher=NRL.com|access-date=29 October 2017}}</ref>
⚫
}}
{{Rugbyleaguebox
|bg=#ffffcc
⚫
|date = 8 October 2017
|team1 = {{Rl-rt|Malta}}
⚫
|score = 24 – 24
|team2 = {{Rl|ITA}}
⚫
|stadium = {{flagdeco|AUS}} [[Marconi Stadium]], [[Sydney]]
|report = <ref>{{cite web|date=9 October 2017|title=Test Match, l'Italia pareggia 24-24 con Malta a Sydney|url=http://www.firl.it/2017/10/09/test-match-litalia-pareggia-24-24-con-malta-a-sydney/|publisher=Federazione Italia Rugby League|access-date=10 October 2017|language=it}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Rugbyleaguebox
{{Rugbyleaguebox
|bg=#ccffcc
|bg=#ccffcc
|date = 10 June 2017
|date = 7 October 2023
|team1 = {{Rl-rt|ITA}}
|team1 = {{Rl-rt|ITA}}
|score = 94 – 4
|score = 38 – 12
|team2 = {{Rl|Spain}}
|team2 = {{Rl|MLT}}
|stadium = Manta Sports Complex, [[Saluzzo]]
|stadium = {{flagdeco|AUS}} [[Lidcombe Oval]], [[Sydney]]
|report = [https://europeanrugbyleague.com/fixtures/1267 Report (ERL)]
|report = <ref>{{cite web|last=Portoghese|first=Matteo|date=19 June 2017|title=L'Italia del rugby league si gode il suo momento d'oro|url=http://www.mondosportivo.it/2017/06/19/litalia-del-rugby-league-si-gode-suo-momento-doro/|publisher=Mondo Sportivo|access-date=19 September 2017|language=it}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Rugbyleaguebox
{{Rugbyleaguebox
|bg=#ccffcc
|bg=#ccffcc
|date = 4 November 2016
|date = 28 October 2023
|team1 = {{Rl-rt|ITA}}
|score = 76 – 0
|team2 = {{Rl|Russia}}
|stadium = {{flagdeco|ENG}} [[Leigh Sports Village]], [[Leigh, Greater Manchester|Leigh]]
|report = [http://www.rlef.eu.com/wcq/report?RLE00000700 Report]
}}
{{Rugbyleaguebox
|bg=#ffcccc
|date = 29 October 2016
|team1 = {{Rl-rt|ITA}}
|team1 = {{Rl-rt|ITA}}
|score = 14 – 20
|score = 50 – 20
|team2 = {{Rl|Wales}}
|team2 = {{Rl|RSA}}
|stadium = [[Stadio Brianteo]], [[Monza]]
|stadium = {{flagdeco|AUS}} [[Lidcombe Oval]], [[Sydney]]
|report = [http://www.rlef.eu.com/wcq/report?RLE00000696 Report]
|report = [https://europeanrugbyleague.com/fixtures/1268 Report (ERL)]
}}
}}


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==International record and ranking==
==International record and ranking==
{{RLIF World Rankings|Italy}}
{{RLIF World Rankings|Italy}}
''Italy's competitive record as of 23 December 2020''<ref>{{cite web |title=Head to Head |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/teams/italy/head2head.html |website=Rugby League Project |access-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>
''Italy's competitive record as of 07 October 2023''<ref>{{cite web |title=Head to Head |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/teams/italy/head2head.html |website=Rugby League Project |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>


{| class="sortable wikitable"
{| class="sortable wikitable"
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! style="width:50px;"| Diff
! style="width:50px;"| Diff
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|AUS}} || 2 || 0 || 0 || 2 || {{#expr:0/2*100 round 2}}% || 37 || 104 || –67
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|AUS}} || 3 || 0 || 0 || 3 || {{#expr:0/3*100 round 2}}% || 43 || 170 || –127
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[British Amateur Rugby League Association|BARLA]] || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || {{#expr:0/1*100 round 2}}% || 18 || 20 || –2
| style="text-align:left;"| [[British Amateur Rugby League Association|BARLA]] || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || {{#expr:0/1*100 round 2}}% || 18 || 20 || –2
Line 248: Line 253:
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|ENG}} || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || {{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}% || 15 || 14 || +1
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|ENG}} || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || {{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}% || 15 || 14 || +1
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|FIJ}} || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || {{#expr:0/1*100 round 2}}% || 10 || 38 || –28
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|FIJ}} || 2 || 0 || 0 || 2 || {{#expr:0/2*100 round 2}}% || 14 || 98 || –84
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|FRA}} || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || {{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}% || 14 || 10 || +4
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|FRA}} || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || {{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}% || 14 || 10 || +4
Line 260: Line 265:
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|Lebanon}} || 8 || 1 || 1 || 6 || {{#expr:1/8*100 round 2}}% || 99 || 229 || –130
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|Lebanon}} || 8 || 1 || 1 || 6 || {{#expr:1/8*100 round 2}}% || 99 || 229 || –130
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|Malta}} || 3 || 1 || 1 || 1 || {{#expr:1/3*100 round 2}}% || 44 || 32 || +12
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|Malta}} || 4 || 2 || 1 || 1 || {{#expr:2/4*100 round 2}}% || 82 || 44 || +38
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|Morocco}} || 2 || 1 || 0 || 1 || {{#expr:1/2*100 round 2}}% || 44 || 32 || +12
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|Morocco}} || 2 || 1 || 0 || 1 || {{#expr:1/2*100 round 2}}% || 44 || 32 || +12
Line 270: Line 275:
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|RUS}} || 6 || 4 || 0 || 2 || {{#expr:4/6*100 round 2}}% || 252 || 100 || +152
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|RUS}} || 6 || 4 || 0 || 2 || {{#expr:4/6*100 round 2}}% || 252 || 100 || +152
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|SCO}} || 2 || 0 || 1 || 1 || {{#expr:0/2*100 round 2}}% || 30 || 134 || –104
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|SCO}} || 3 || 1 || 1 || 1 || {{#expr:1/3*100 round 2}}% || 58 || 138 || –80
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|SER}} || 7 || 4 || 0 || 3 || {{#expr:4/7*100 round 2}}% || 226 || 144 || +82
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|SER}} || 8 || 4 || 0 || 4 || {{#expr:4/8*100 round 2}}% || 230 || 196 || +34
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|SPA}} || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || {{#expr:2/2*100 round 2}}% || 128 || 8 || +100
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|SPA}} || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || {{#expr:2/2*100 round 2}}% || 128 || 8 || +100
Line 286: Line 291:
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|WAL}} || 3 || 2 || 0 || 1 || {{#expr:2/3*100 round 2}}% || 59 || 42 || +17
| style="text-align:left;"| {{rl|WAL}} || 3 || 2 || 0 || 1 || {{#expr:2/3*100 round 2}}% || 59 || 42 || +17
|- class="sortbottom"
|- class="sortbottom"
! Total || '''63''' || '''34''' || '''3''' || '''26''' || '''{{#expr:34/63*100 round 2}}%''' || '''1870''' || '''1507''' || +363
! Total || '''68''' || '''36''' || '''3''' || '''29''' || '''{{#expr:36/68*100 round 2}}%''' || '''1950''' || '''1701''' || +249
|}
|}


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{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* [[Rugby league in Italy]]
* [[Rugby league in Italy]]
* [[Italy women's national rugby league team]]
* [[Veneto 9s]]
* [[Italy national rugby union team]]
* [[Italy national rugby union team]]


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{{Rugby League European Federation}}
{{Rugby League European Federation}}
{{International rugby league results}}
{{International Rugby League}}
{{International Rugby League}}
{{National sports teams of Italy}}
{{National sports teams of Italy}}
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[[Category:Italy national rugby league team| ]]
[[Category:Italy national rugby league team| ]]
[[Category:National rugby league teams]]
[[Category:National rugby league teams]]
[[Category:National sports teams of Italy]

Revision as of 08:48, 6 June 2024

Not to be confused with Italy national rugby union team.

Italia
Badge of Italia team
Team information
NicknameAzzurri
Governing bodyFederazione Italiana Rugby League
RegionEurope
Head coachLeo Epifania
CaptainNathan Brown
Most capsGioele Celerino (20)
Top try-scorerRichard Lepori (12)[a]
Top point-scorerJosh Mantellato (116)[a]
Home stadiumStadio Plebiscito
IRL ranking13th
Uniforms
First colours
Team results
First game
Wigan 49–28 Italy 
(Central Park, Wigan; 26 August 1950)
First international
 Italy 15–37 Australia 
(Stadio Euganeo, Padua; 23 January 1960)
Biggest win
 Italy 94–4 Spain 
(Campo Sportivo Manta, Saluzzo; 10 June 2017)
Biggest defeat
 Italy 0–104 Scotland 
(Stadio Plebiscito, Padua; 17 October 2009)
World Cup
Appearances3 (first time in 2013)
Best resultGroup stage (2013, 2017,2021)

The Italy national rugby league team represents Italy in rugby league football. With origins dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, the team has competed regularly in international competitions since 2008, when their current governing body, the Federazione Italiana Rugby League, was formed. They are currently ranked 13th in the IRL World Rankings.

History

In 1950, a team from Turin toured the North of England. Italy later started a domestic competition. A year later the first official match of the Italy national team took place in Cahors, France. Italy lost 29–17 although the Azzurri ended the first half leading 10–7.

Sixteen official matches were played against English teams in the season 1952–53, as well as a triangular tournament between Italy, France and England.

In 1958, in Treviso under the Italian Federation of Amateur Rugby 13 (FIAR 13) was formed and was recognised by the Rugby Football League. With this recognition and funding from England, the sport of rugby league became popular in Italy. In their first year, the FIAR had 24 clubs and 620 players.

In 1960, Italy played Australia in two international matches held in Italy, the results were 37–15 and 67–22 losses. In the late 1960s, threats made by the rugby union governing body, the Italian Rugby Federation, to ban players who played rugby league from their sport had the effect of killing off the sport in Italy by the 1970s. As a consequence the Italy national team ceased to exist.

In the mid-1990s the team were revived by two Italian-Australians, Domenic Pezzano and John Benigni, known as 'The Italian Rugby League A XIII' (IRL A XIII) was formed in 1993. Pezzano coached Italy in the Coca-Cola Rugby League World Sevens in Australia with the team being predominantly players from Italy and one Italo-Australian player captained the team – Orazio D'Arrò in this tournament, Pezzano also coached the Italian team that participated in the first ever Super League World Nines tournament which was hosted by Fiji, that team was made up of Italian players, Italian Origin players and included 1st Graders such as Dean Schifilliti, Mark Corvo, Luke Davico and Italian dual international Orazio Arancio.

After that event, the Italia Rugby League began competing in various international tournaments, such as the Super League rugby league nines tournament in Fiji, World Sevens, St.Marys Sevens, Wollogong Sevens and the Mediterranean Cup in 1999. They attempted to qualify for the 2000 Rugby League World Cup and ended up in the Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament in which they were runners-up to British Amateur Rugby League Association.

In 2002, the Azzurri were back playing internationals in Italy with a triangular tournament featuring Scotland and Russia. Italy lost to Tatarstan of Russia but tied their second game with Scotland 16 all. In 2003 Italy played Scotland again and contested the Ionio Cup against Greece, which they won.

Former Italy logo

In 2006, Italy played three matches, two against South Africa and one against British Amateur Rugby League Association.[1]

The Federazione of Italia Rugby League was officially moved to the "official observer" status by the Rugby League European Federation from an unranked position on 15 April 2008.[2]

Italy won the RLEF European Shield in 2008 and 2009, and as such were drafted into the 2009 European Cup following Russia's withdrawal from the tournament. During this tournament, Italy were handed their record defeat by Scotland, but they did manage to record one victory, over Serbia at The Old Parish in Maesteg, Wales.[3][4]

In Autumn 2010 Italy embarked on a short tour of Wales, culminating in a match in Wrexham on 6 October in which they faced Wales for the first time in a full Rugby League international. The Italian side obtained a remarkable 13–6 victory, the first against a national team of the British Isles.[5]

2013 World Cup qualifying

Main article: 2013 Rugby League World Cup qualifying

In 2011, Italy contested the qualifying tournament for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, competing against Russia, Serbia and Lebanon. Coached by Carlo Napolitano and captained by Anthony Minichiello, Italy's draw with Lebanon was enough for them to gain the 14th and final place in the 2013 World Cup.[6]

2013 World Cup

Main article: 2013 Rugby League World Cup
19 October 2013 England XIII  14 – 15  Italy XIII AJ Bell Stadium, City of Salford
Tries:
Tomkins (2), Ablett
Goals:
Widdop
 Report Tries:
Laffranchi, Parata
Goals:
Mantellato (2), Nasso
Drop goals:
Mantellato
Attendance: 4,382
Referee: Richard Silverwood (England)

Italy defeated England 15–14 in an unranked pre-tournament match, which was described as a "humiliating" loss for England. The Italian team led 12–4 during the first half before England's Sam Tomkins scored two tries. Ray Nasso kicked a penalty goal in the 70th minute to level the scores, and Josh Mantellato kicked a drop goal in the 79th minute of the game to reclaim the lead for Italy.[7][8][9]

The Italian team playing in their second kit against Scotland in the 2013 World Cup

Italy were drawn in Pool C alongside Scotland, Tonga and they also played an inter-group match against co-hosts Wales. Their tournament began with an upset victory over the co-hosts at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. In their second match, the 'Azzuri' took on Scotland who were coming off an upset win of their own against Tonga. The match turned out to be a thriller and it was tight with a high scoring draw being the result. Italy then had to just win their last pool match against Tonga after Scotland won their match and finished their pool-stage campaign with the same points differential the Italians were currently on. Tonga had nothing but pride to play for after their hopes of qualification had vanished but they shocked Napolitano's men by keeping them scoreless and therefore eliminating Italy from having any chance to play in the 2013 World Cup knockout round.

2017 World Cup qualifying

Main article: 2017 Rugby League World Cup qualifying

Italy participated in the qualification for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. The first stage of qualifying involved having to finish in the top 3 in their 2014–15 European Shield competition. Italy only managed to secure qualification for the 'final qualification tournament' after winning their second to last game against bottom placed Ukraine. Italy finished the Shield in third place with 3 wins and 3 defeats in six matches.

The final qualification tournament consisted of 6 teams - the top three teams from the European B tournament, the winners of the European C tournament and seeded nations Wales and Ireland. The tournament featured two groups of three teams playing in a single round-robin format. The winners of each group qualified for the World Cup, while the runners-up faced each other in a play-off match on 5 November 2016 to determine the final spot. A seeded draw took place to determine the groups on 5 November 2015. Italy are placed in Group A alongside European B tournament champions Serbia, and Wales.

2021 Rugby League World Cup

Italy started off their World Cup campaign with a 28-4 victory over Scotland. This was followed by heavy defeats against Fiji and Australia which left Italy third in the group which meant their elimination from the tournament.[10][11]

Players

See also: List of Italy national rugby league team players

Current squad

Squad selected for 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

Player Caps Points Club
Daniel Atkinson 3 0 Australia Sunshine Coast Falcons
Nathan Brown 6 0 Australia Parramatta Eels
Joey Tramontana 10 16 Australia Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles
Ryan King 5 4 England Whitehaven
Jake Maizen 3 16 Australia Sunshine Coast Falcons
Luca Moretti 3 0 Australia Parramatta Eels
Luke Polselli 3 4 Australia Sunshine Coast Falcons
Jack Campagnolo 6 28 Australia South Sydney Rabbitohs
Alec Susino 5 0 Australia Penrith Panthers
Luke Hodge 3 0 Australia Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles
Kyle Pickering 1 0 Australia Cronulla Sharks
Jack Colovatti 3 0 Australia Parramatta Eels
Ethan Natoli 7 0 Australia Newtown Jets
Rinaldo Palumbo 5 4 England London Broncos
Nicholas Tilburg 0 0 Australia Wentworthville Magpies
Gieole Celerino 20 38 France Saint-Gaudens Bears
Simone Boscolo 10 20 France RC Salon XIII
Giordano Arena 0 0 Italy Catania Bulls
Ippolito Occhialini 0 0 Italy Lignano Sharks
Alex Rojatto 0 0 Italy Lignano Sharks
Dean Parata 10 4 England London Broncos
Brendan Santi 15 16 England Keighley Cougars
Anton Iaria 7 4 England Barrow Raiders
Richard Lepori 13 48 England Swinton Lions

Notable representatives

The following is a list of Italian representative players who have played 50 more or matches in a professional rugby league competition i.e. the National Rugby League and/or the Super League:

Results and fixtures

Main article: Italy national rugby league team results

Recent results

27 May 2023
Italy  4 – 52  Serbia
Report (ERL)
Pasian Di Prato Stadium, Udine
7 October 2023
Italy  38 – 12  Malta
Report (ERL)
28 October 2023
Italy  50 – 20  South Africa
Report (ERL)

Competitions

The Italian team has competed in the following matches and tournaments since the reintroduction of rugby league to the country in the 1990s:

Since 2008, Italy has competed in the following Test match tournaments:

International record and ranking

IRL Men's World Rankings
Official rankings as of 21 December 2023
Rank Change Team Pts %
1 Steady  Australia 100.00
2 Steady  New Zealand 91.00
3 Increase 1  England 74.00
4 Decrease 1  Samoa 70.00
5 Steady  Tonga 54.00
6 Steady  Papua New Guinea 50.00
7 Steady  Fiji 49.00
8 Increase 1  France 24.00
9 Decrease 1  Lebanon 24.00
10 Increase 3  Cook Islands 22.00
11 Decrease 1  Serbia 19.00
12 Increase 6  Netherlands 17.00
13 Increase 1  Italy 15.00
14 Increase 5  Malta 15.00
15 Increase 1  Greece 14.00
16 Decrease 4  Ireland 14.00
17 Decrease 6  Wales 13.00
18 Decrease 3  Jamaica 10.00
19 Decrease 2  Scotland 9.00
20 Increase 8  Ukraine 7.00
21 Increase 6  Czech Republic 7.00
22 Decrease 1  Germany 6.00
23 Increase 10  Philippines 6.00
24 Increase 5  Poland 6.00
25 Increase 1  South Africa 5.00
26 Decrease 4  Chile 5.00
27 Increase 4  Kenya 0.00
28 Increase 6  Norway 4.00
29 Decrease 6  Nigeria 4.00
30 Decrease 6  Ghana 4.00
31 Decrease 6  Brazil 4.00
32 Decrease 12  Turkey 3.00
33 Increase 4  United States 3.00
34 Increase 1  Bulgaria 3.00
35 Decrease 5  Cameroon 2.00
36 Increase 2  Montenegro 2.00
37 Decrease 5  Spain 2.00
38 Increase 6  Japan 1.00
39 New entry  Albania 1.00
40 Decrease 4  Colombia 1.00
41 Increase 6  El Salvador 1.00
42 New entry  North Macedonia 1.00
43 Decrease 1  Morocco 1.00
44 Decrease 3  Sweden 0.00
45 Steady  Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.00
46 Decrease 3  Canada 0.00
47 New entry  Niue 0.00
48 Decrease 9  Solomon Islands 0.00
49 Decrease 1  Belgium 0.00
50 Decrease 10  Hungary 0.00
51 Decrease 5  Vanuatu 0.00
52 Decrease 3  Argentina 0.00
53 Decrease 3  Denmark 0.00
54 Decrease 3  Latvia 0.00
55 New entry  Estonia 0.00
Complete rankings at INTRL.SPORT

Italy's competitive record as of 07 October 2023[12]

Against Played Won Drawn Lost Win % For Aga Diff
 Australia 3 0 0 3 0% 43 170 –127
BARLA 1 0 0 1 0% 18 20 –2
 Canada 1 1 0 0 100% 66 6 +60
 Czech Republic 2 2 0 0 100% 76 26 +50
 England 1 1 0 0 100% 15 14 +1
 Fiji 2 0 0 2 0% 14 98 –84
 France 1 1 0 0 100% 14 10 +4
 Germany 4 4 0 0 100% 238 96 +142
 Greece 3 2 0 1 66.67% 98 72 +26
 Ireland 3 0 0 3 0% 42 121 –79
 Lebanon 8 1 1 6 12.5% 99 229 –130
 Malta 4 2 1 1 50% 82 44 +38
 Morocco 2 1 0 1 50% 44 32 +12
 Niue 1 1 0 0 100% 36 32 +4
 Philippines 1 1 0 0 100% 46 16 +30
 Russia 6 4 0 2 66.67% 252 100 +152
 Scotland 3 1 1 1 33.33% 58 138 –80
 Serbia 8 4 0 4 50% 230 196 +34
 Spain 2 2 0 0 100% 128 8 +100
 South Africa 3 1 0 2 33.33% 44 144 –100
 Tonga 1 0 0 1 0% 0 16 –16
 Ukraine 2 2 0 0 100% 94 24 +70
 United States 3 3 0 0 100% 120 22 +98
 Wales 3 2 0 1 66.67% 59 42 +17
Total 68 36 3 29 52.94% 1950 1701 +249

Kits

Italy's kit suppliers are FI-TA.

2013 World Cup Jersey
Home Kit
2013 World Cup Jersey
Away Kit

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Italy national rugby league team.

Notes

  1. ^ a b Correct as of 22 November 2017. See List of Italy national rugby league team players for more details.

References

  1. ^ Italia Rugby League History
  2. ^ "RLEF – Italy Profile". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2009.
  3. ^ "European Cup Relegation Match Report – Italy – Serbia". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 25 December 2009.
  4. ^ Italy V Serbia Match Details
  5. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 4 October 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. ^ skysports.com (29 October 2011). "Italy clinch World Cup place". Sky Sports. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  7. ^ "Rugby League World Cup: England stunned by Italy". BBC. 19 October 2013. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  8. ^ Hadfield, Dave (20 October 2013). "England 14 Italy 15 match report: England in turmoil after humiliating pre-World Cup loss". Independent. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  9. ^ "England 14-15 Italy | Rugby League World Cup warm-up match report". TheGuardian.com. 19 October 2013.
  10. ^ "Relive Scotland's World Cup loss to Italy". BBC Sport. 15 October 2022.
  11. ^ "Rugby League World Cup: Australia 66-6 Italy - Kangaroos cruise to quarter-finals". BBC Sport.
  12. ^ "Head to Head". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 28 May 2023.

[[Category:National sports teams of Italy]

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