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Italy officially breaks into top flight
Posted: Friday December 17, 1999 11:38 AM
ROME, Dec 17 (Reuters) -- Italy has officially broken into the elite of rugby union with its inclusion on Friday in the championship now known as the Six Nations. Italy will play their first match against Scotland in Rome on February 5 under new coach Brad Johnstone. Six Nations president Allan Hosie told a news conference Italy had been accepted on merit. Italy finished bottom of their World Cup finals group after defeats against England, New Zealand and Tonga. "There is a fine line between winning the Grand Slam and the wooden spoon when it came to rugby, but what mattered was the high level of play which Italy has shown," he said. Giancarlo Dondi, president of the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR), was optimistic about Italy's chances. "Johnstone has a clear idea of the team and a good number of quality players to allow Italy to succeed," he said. Dondi blamed Italy's recent poor performances on low morale. Johnstone took over from Massimo Masciolettti, who was dismissed after Italy's poor performance in the World Cup. Former prop Johnstone was widely credited for transforming Fiji's game at the World Cup, complementing their attacking style with discipline and transferring their success in rugby sevens to the 15-a-side game.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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