Italy’s Coach Praises Fabien Galthié Amidst Six Nations Exchange
Gonzalo Quesada, head coach of Italy’s national rugby team, responded to recent praises from France’s coach, Fabien Galthié. Galthié described Italy as a capable contender for the Six Nations Championship, sparking a discussion ahead of their match on Sunday in Villeneuve-d’Ascq. Despite these compliments, Quesada stressed that Italy is not yet ready to compete for the title.
Gonzalo Quesada’s Perspective on Italy’s Performance
During a press conference, Quesada acknowledged Galthié’s remarks but emphasized the need for Italy to focus on improving their consistency and performance. He stated, “Italy is primarily concerned with its performance, everything we need to enhance.”
Italy’s Goals for the Six Nations
Italy’s coach outlined clear objectives for the upcoming match against France:
- Achieve consistency throughout the tournament.
- Demonstrate their game against top teams.
Quesada noted that the top teams in the tournament, such as France, England, and Ireland, are not worrying about their final rankings. “We are not invited to think about our placement in the tournament,” he remarked.
International Recognition
Both Galthié and South African coach Rassie Erasmus have expressed admiration for Italy’s potential this year. Erasmus suggested that Italy might finish in the top three of the championship, reinforcing Quesada’s belief in the supportive environment surrounding the team.
Challenges Ahead for Italy
Quesada identified a potential risk against France. He warned, “The danger is that the French may become overconfident if they create scoring opportunities early.” He recalled a previous encounter in 2025 where France defeated Italy 73-24 in Rome. However, he also reflected on a notable game two years ago, when the teams drew 13-13 at the same Villeneuve-d’Ascq venue.
Quesada believes that, despite the challenges, the acknowledgment from such esteemed coaches is encouraging for his team. “It’s a great compliment,” he concluded, indicating that Italy is on the right path in their development.
