Latest Italy News

Italy's national rugby team proved too much for Canada on Saturday. The 12th-ranked Italians defeated Canada 41-6, dominating the Canadians with a strong second half. Fly half Ander Monro kicked two first-half penalties for the 13th-ranked Canadians, who trailed 13-6 at halftime. ``Canada played really well in the first half, and then we had a guy (Forrest Gainer) sent off the field for a yellow card, and that put a lot of pressure on us,'' said Canadian head ...

Italy is ranked just one spot above Canada by the International Rugby Board, but in reality the two teams are worlds apart. Italy is a fully professional squad, while Canada's domestic-based players are all amateur. The Italians play tough top-10 opposition annually in the Six Nations tournament, even if they rarely win. And Italy seems to have fewer problems freeing up its top players from European clubs for international duty. ...

Italy and Romania qualified for next year's rugby union World Cup after winning qualifiers on Saturday. Italy beat Russia 67-7 in Moscow and Romania defeated Spain 43-20 in Madrid. Both were placed in Pool C with 1987 champion New Zealand, Scotland and a qualifier yet to be determined. Italy led 39-0 at halftime with two tries from winger Kaine Robertson and one from Martin Castrogiovanni, Andrea Masi and Mirco Bergamasco. ``It was extremely important for us to win this ...