Get ready for a rugby revolution! Italy’s Six Nations 2026 squad is here, and it’s shaking things up with a bold mix of youth and experience. Among the standout names is Northampton’s teenage sensation, Edoardo Todaro, whose meteoric rise has earned him a spot in the Azzurri’s 33-man lineup. But here’s where it gets exciting: at just 19, Todaro has already scored nine tries in 12 games for the Saints this season, proving he’s not just a rising star—he’s a game-changer. His inclusion isn’t just a reward for his breakout campaign; it’s a statement about Italy’s future. And this is the part most people miss: Todaro’s only international cap so far came off the bench in Italy’s 34-19 victory over Chile last November, but his potential has the rugby world buzzing.
Joining him is Paolo Odogwu, a versatile player who can light up both the wing and midfield. Once part of England’s 2021 Six Nations squad under Eddie Jones, Odogwu now brings his experience to Italy after stints with Stade Francais and Benetton following Wasps’ collapse in 2022. But here’s the controversial bit: six of his seven Italy caps came during or before their disappointing 2023 Rugby World Cup run—is he the answer to Italy’s consistency issues, or a reminder of past struggles?
Italy’s squad isn’t without its challenges. Key players like Toulouse’s Ange Capuozzo (fractured finger), fly-half Tommaso Allan, and back rows Sebastian Negri and Ross Vintcent are all sidelined with injuries. Yet, head coach Gonzalo Quesada remains optimistic: ‘At two years out from a World Cup, bringing in new players is an opportunity,’ he said. ‘We focus on what we have, not what we’re missing.’
Leading the charge once again is captain Michele Lamaro, who’ll helm the side for his fourth consecutive Six Nations. Uncapped players like flanker Samuele Locatelli and centre Damiano Mazza add fresh blood to the squad, signaling a blend of youth and experience.
Italy’s campaign kicks off against Scotland on February 7 in Rome—a rematch of Scotland’s narrow 31-29 loss in 2024. From there, they face a grueling schedule: away fixtures against Ireland and France, a home clash with England at the Stadio Olimpico, and a finale in Cardiff against Wales.
But here’s the real question: Can this squad, with its mix of raw talent and seasoned veterans, finally break Italy’s Six Nations drought? With Todaro’s flair, Odogwu’s versatility, and Quesada’s vision, the Azzurri might just surprise us all. What do you think? Is this Italy’s year to shine, or will old challenges hold them back? Let’s debate in the comments!
Forwards: Lorenzo Cannone, Niccolo Cannone, Tommaso di Bartolomeo, Pablo Dimicheff, Riccardo Favretto, Simone Ferrari, Danilo Fischetti, Muhamed Hasa, Alessandro Izekor, Michele Lamaro (captain), Samuele Locatelli, Giacomo Nicotera, David Odiase, Marco Riccioni, Federico Ruzza, Mirco Spagnolo, Andrea Zambonin, Manuel Zuliani.
Backs: Juan Ignacio Brex, Giacomo da Re, Alessandro Fusco, Matt Gallagher, Paolo Garbisi, Monty Ioane, Louis Lynagh, Leonardo Marin, Damiano Mazza, Tommaso Menoncello, Paolo Odogwu, Martin Page-Relo, Lorenzo Pani, Edoardo Todaro, Stephen Varney.
