IT
ENIn short tournaments, the first match counts double. Italy Under-20 learned that the hard way: the opening defeat to Scotland doesn’t end their World Championship, but it badly complicates the plan.
a misstep on the opening day is hugely costly
What’s at stake for Italy U20 now? The schedule offers no respite: Japan arrive on Thursday 2 July, New Zealand on Tuesday 7 July. The loss to Scotland — seen as the most winnable and therefore decisive game in the pool — forces the Azzurrini to chase from the off.
Why Scotland was the key match
In Pool B, where Italy meet New Zealand, Scotland and Japan, the Scotland game was — in DanPat’s words — the most important of the tournament. The logic was simple: win that, then take on Japan on level terms, and maybe arrive on full points for the clash with New Zealand, with even top spot up for grabs. That plan now has to be rewritten.
The road that remains
Two fixtures are left, both in Kutaisi: Japan on Thursday 2 July, opponents the Azzurrini can and must take on, and New Zealand on Tuesday 7 July, to be faced head-on regardless. It’s not over: there’s a whole World Championship still to play, and the talent in this group — glimpsed even against Scotland — remains an asset.
The lesson
The feeling, shared by the players too, is of a game that could have been won. A bit like the Six Nations, where Italy also lost their opener to Scotland. DanPat’s message is blunt: individual talent isn’t enough, you need the collective. But the backing for these young Azzurri isn’t in question — the World Championship is still there to be written.
Read also
- Italy U20’s bittersweet World Championship opener: Scotland win 38-32
- U20 World Championship 2026: five players to watch (and an Azzurro to dream on)
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