Exclusive: Michele Lamaro and the Making of a New Italian Rugby Identity

There’s a renewed spirit sweeping through Italian rugby. One born of youthful ambition, hard-earned experience, and a belief that they are no longer the underdogs of European rugby. 

Leading the charge is Italy and Benetton captain Michele Lamaro, whose leadership has become emblematic of the Azzurri’s transformation since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

With a landmark Six Nations campaign under their belt and Benetton making history in the United Rugby Championship [URC], Italy enters the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa with growing confidence and clear purpose.

Rising from the Ashes of the Wooden Spoon

Italy’s historical struggles in the Six Nations are well documented. Often resigned to the bottom of the table, the Azzurri were once seen as little more than a formality by other nations. But since the arrival of head coach Gonzalo Quesada, the narrative has shifted dramatically.

“We started a process a few years ago,” said Lamaro. 

“It was a young side, not very experienced, but we’ve grown together. Now we have a group of players with experience, which is helping us win games.”

Quesada, according to Lamaro, struck the balance between continuity and innovation. “He didn’t throw out what had been built. He added to it. And that gave us immediate results.”

Centre of Attention: Brex & Menoncello

A key pillar of Italy’s recent success has been the electric midfield pairing of Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello. The duo, both of whom play for Benetton, have developed a telepathic connection, making them one of the most talked-about centre combinations in World Rugby.

"Obviously I think they are the best combo at the moment. The power of Tommy [Menoncello], combined with the experience of Nacho is something that is pretty much unmatched. To have such a young guy in Tommy, with unbelievable power, very physical and elusive. He has been quite unbelievable in all the games he has played for Italy and Benetton as well."

"Nacho, we all know how good he is. His defensive side has always been good and on attack he has improved a lot with a couple no-look passes, passes out the back and very good running lines. Those things make them really work well together as they really know each other quite well. They're an absolutely brilliant combination and I always look forward to playing with them."

Benetton's Historic Climb

The resurgence isn’t limited to the national team. Benetton, too, has undergone a transformation. This season, they reached the Champions Cup playoffs for the first time in the club’s history, underlining their growth on the European stage.

“Benetton and the national team share similar cultures and personnel,” Lamaro noted. 

“We’ve created a culture of professionalism and ambition. That’s what’s driving us forward.”

Despite a few painful losses, including a humbling defeat to the Stormers, Lamaro remains optimistic. 

“We’ve learned a lot. Big away wins and tough games teach us where to grow. The most important thing is that the culture is strong."

Springboks Await: A Test of Grit and Growth

In July, Italy faces the ultimate litmus test. A two-match series against the reigning world champions, South Africa, in their own backyard. 

For Lamaro and his teammates, the experience of playing URC matches in South Africa has been invaluable preparation.

"The South African teams [in the URC] are quite different to each other. You got the Bulls and maybe the Sharks as well, who are quite physical...very very physical. The Lions and the Stormers are more unstructured. The Stormers may be more physical than the Lions, the Stormers have some really good players in their backline who have the ability to break lines."

"The Springboks are a mixture of all the attributes. They got power upfront and some unbelievable players in their backs."

"To come to South Africa and play these South African teams have prepared us well to come again in the summer [South African winter] and be competitive. The main objective is to try and win both games. It will be very tough but we know we will have to be competitive and precise with our gameplan."

And does he look forward to playing the Springboks?

“Yeah, a lot! Especially in South Africa, where the rugby culture is so rich. The atmosphere will be incredible. I can’t wait.”