After finishing the Rugby Europe 7s Championship Series in fifth place with an impressive third place at the Lisbon stage, the Italian men’s rugby seven-a-side team will return to the field in Bucharest for qualifying on the weekend of 16 and 17 July. Rugby World Cup 7’s tournament. A tough tournament where the Azzurri will have to find an exploit to punch their ticket to South Africa.

European Qualifying Tournament (France, England and Scotland have already qualified) In addition to Italy, Spain, Germany, Lithuania, Georgia, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Belgium, Ireland and Wales will also be seen initially.. With the exception of the Irish and Welsh, these are the same formations that have faced the continental tournament over the past few weeks, so it’s easy to see which teams are the favorites to finish. The top four places are valid for a World Championship ticket. with Ireland E Wales (but the British are a question mark), along with Spain GermaniaReigning champions of the championship series, Belgium and Portugal are luxurious outposts.

Andy Wilk’s Italy, therefore, will have to avoid mistakes (such as those made in Lithuania and Georgia in the last two weeks) to play in one of the top four places with the top European teams. It can be hard on children Azzurri are drawn in Pool A alongside top seed Ireland, Portugal and Poland. Therefore, the challenge with the Lusitanians seems crucial to secure second place, and the difference in points should not be expected to enter a top third.

The Blues showed flashes of good rugby as seen in Portugal and Poland, but of course Vilk will have to file the limits that led Italy to trouble Against teams like Lithuania and Georgia. Especially in the, If there is potential for harmCioffi and his companions will have to do Level up in defence, where they conceded too few goals. If Ireland look out of reach, beating Portugal is imperative, but close the gap on the Irish and Lusitanians in the knockouts and look on paper for the biggest win against Cinderella Poland. A whole lot.

However, beating Portugal will be key to an accessible quarter-final And not having to face one of the top seeds in the group stage. It will be the opening challenge of the tournament with the Lusitanians, while the Blues face Poland and then close against Ireland. As mentioned, the top four classified will go to the World Cup, so it is crucial to get past the group stage and then, win your quarter finals to clinch the semifinals and top 4.

Photo: Rugby Europe