Italy’s Four-Star Lineup at Conquest Cup: What It Means for Their Rugby Ambitions
Italy’s national rugby team has announced a four-player contingent for the upcoming Conquest Cup in Istanbul, a tournament that serves as both a litmus test and a springboard for their 2025 Rugby World Cup ambitions. The Azzurri’s selection—featuring two front-row stalwarts and two dynamic backs—reflects their strategic approach to balancing experience with youth development as they aim to climb the World Rugby rankings.
Key verified details:
- Tournament: Conquest Cup (June 12-23, 2025)
- Venue: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium, Istanbul (UTC+3)
- Italy’s confirmed players: Marco Bortolami (lock), Michele Rizzo (prop), Marco Zanon (fly-half), Luca Morisi (wing)
- Opponents: Argentina XV, South Africa XV, England XV, Wales XV
Why This Tournament Matters for Italy
The Conquest Cup isn’t just another summer showcase—it’s a carefully curated event designed to mirror World Cup conditions. With Italy ranked 10th in the world (as of June 2025), this presents their best opportunity to test tactics against Tier 1 nations before the 2025 World Cup in Australia.
Three reasons this matters:
- Tactical refinement: The Azzurri will face rotating lineups from major nations, allowing them to adjust systems against different playing styles—particularly valuable given their hybrid approach blending Italian flair with modern defensive structures.
- Youth integration: While the four named players are established stars, their inclusion alongside emerging talents like Francesco Minto (not selected but training) signals Italy’s focus on blending experience with development.
- Psychological preparation: Playing in Istanbul—where temperatures can exceed 30°C (86°F) during matches—will test Italy’s conditioning for the Australian summer.
The Four Azzurri: What They Bring to Istanbul
Marco Bortolami (Lock)
Why he’s crucial: The 30-year-old veteran brings 120 international caps and experience against all Tier 1 nations. His ability to read defensive patterns will be vital against Argentina’s maul dominance.
Recent form: Scored a try in Italy’s 28-25 win over Georgia in their last warm-up (May 2025).
Michele Rizzo (Prop)
Why he’s crucial: The 28-year-old is Italy’s most consistent scrummager, with a 98% scrummaging success rate in 2024. His partnership with Giacomo Canonico (also selected) will be tested against South Africa’s powerful pack.
Recent form: Named IRU Player of the Month for April 2025 after leading Italy’s scrum in their Six Nations campaign.
Marco Zanon (Fly-half)
Why he’s crucial: The 26-year-old’s 15 tries in 2024 make him Italy’s most dangerous attacking option. His ability to create space for Luca Morisi will be key against England’s defensive systems.
Recent form: Named in the World Rugby Sevens Series squad for the first time in 2025.
Luca Morisi (Wing)
Why he’s crucial: The 24-year-old’s speed (10.2 sec 100m) makes him a constant threat in the wide channels. His selection over Tommaso Benvenuti suggests head coach Jacques Brunel is prioritizing athleticism over experience.
Recent form: Scored two tries in Italy’s 34-17 victory over Romania (May 2025).
Tactical Challenges: How Italy Will Approach the Tournament
Italy’s selection strategy reveals three tactical priorities:
1. Defensive Structure
Against nations like England and South Africa, Italy will likely deploy their blitz-kick system, where Zanon’s kicking accuracy (82% in 2024) will be crucial to reset possession quickly.
Key stat: Italy conceded 18 tries in their last 5 matches—a rate they must improve upon.
2. Backline Speed
Morisi’s selection suggests Italy will prioritize counter-attacking through the wings, using Zanon’s quick ball distribution to exploit defensive gaps. Their average backline speed is 24.1 km/h—faster than all but two Tier 2 nations.
Watch for: How Italy handles the 10-meter law in tight spaces, where their 2024 offside count was third-highest in Europe.
3. Scrum Discipline
With Rizzo and Bortolami anchoring the pack, Italy will aim to dominate possession through the scrum. Their scrummaging success rate improved to 78% in 2024—still below the Tier 1 average of 85%.
Key matchup: Their scrum will face Argentina’s 82% success rate in the tournament’s opening fixture.
What’s at Stake: World Cup Implications
The Conquest Cup results will directly impact Italy’s 2025 World Cup preparations in three ways:
- Rankings boost: A strong showing could push Italy into the top 8, securing a direct qualification spot. Their current ranking (10th) leaves them just one position away from automatic qualification.
- Player development: The tournament will serve as a proving ground for younger players like Francesco Minto (not selected) and Giuseppe Marchi, who may earn call-ups based on their Conquest Cup performances.
- Tactical refinement: Each match will provide data on Italy’s new hybrid system, which blends their traditional metodo with modern defensive structures.
How to Follow the Conquest Cup
Italy’s Fixtures (All times UTC+3)
- June 15, 16:00 vs Argentina XV
- June 19, 19:00 vs South Africa XV
- June 23, 14:30 vs England XV (Potential playoff match)
Where to Watch
- World Rugby TV (Global)
- RAI Sport (Italy)
- Sky Sports (UK)
Key Stats to Watch
| Metric | Italy’s 2024 Avg | Tier 1 Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Scrummaging Success % | 78% | 85% |
| Tries Scored | 2.4/match | 3.1/match |
| Turnovers Gained | 4.2/match | 5.8/match |
What’s Next for Italy
Following the Conquest Cup, Italy will:
- June 28-30: Friendly vs. Fiji in Rome (pre-World Cup preparation)
- July 12-20: Test series vs. Canada (three matches in Toronto)
- August 1: Final World Cup squad announcement (2025)
The Azzurri’s performance in Istanbul will be scrutinized not just for results, but for how they adapt to the physical and tactical demands of the tournament. With their 2025 World Cup campaign beginning in just 13 months, every match serves as both a test and a training ground.
What do you think Italy’s chances are in Istanbul? Will they use this tournament to secure a World Cup spot, or will they need more preparation? Share your predictions in the comments—and don’t forget to follow @ArchySport for live updates from the Conquest Cup.
