Fratelli d'Rugby - The Italian Rugby Podcast

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🎙️ New Episode Out Now – Azzurri Insight with Stephen Varney

This week we’re joined by Stephen Varney, the livewire scrum-half lighting it up for Exeter Chiefs and pulling the strings for Italy.

From big Premiership moments in Devon to wearing the Azzurri jersey with pride, Varney takes us inside a standout season at Chiefs, the realities of stepping up to Test rugby, and what it really feels like to represent Italy on the international stage.

We chat:
🇮🇹 His journey since being capped for Italy
🔥 The form that’s turning heads this year
🏉 What to expect at the upcoming Six Nations Championship
🌍 And why the road to the Rugby World Cup 2027 is already firmly in focus

Honest stories, behind-the-scenes insight, and plenty of scrum-half chaos along the way — this one’s packed with energy.

Hit play and join us for a proper rugby chat 🇮🇹🎧
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With the URC season reaching its midpoint and the Challenge Cup heating up, it’s the perfect time to take stock of Italian rugby’s progress on the European stage. In this episode, we dive deep into the campaigns of Zebre Parma and Benetton Treviso, analysing where they’ve grown, where they’ve stumbled, and what lies ahead in the second half of the season.

We break down Zebre’s development as a competitive side, their performances at home and away, and what their evolving identity means for the future of Italian rugby. Meanwhile, we assess Benetton’s push to remain a consistent URC contender, their squad depth, and how their style of play stacks up against the league’s elite.

With both teams also navigating the Challenge Cup, we discuss their European journeys so far, key matches, standout players, and what a successful run in the competition could mean for Italian rugby as a whole.

From emerging Italian talent to coaching strategies and the wider national picture, this is a thoughtful, honest, and passionate mid-season review for anyone invested in the Azzurri game.
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🔥 WEEKEND RECAP: ITALIAN RUGBY DELIVERS! 🇮🇹

What a statement from our clubs in the Investec Challenge Cup 👀

🦁 Benetton went all the way to Johannesburg and took the fight to the Lions — a gutsy away performance full of bite, physicality and serious intent. This team just doesn’t back down. 🌍💚

🐾 Zebre Parma lit up the Stadio Lanfranchi, claiming a big home win over Montauban! Spark, skill, and a crowd absolutely bouncing — exactly what you want in European rugby nights under the lights. ⚡️🤍🖤

Italian rugby energy is REAL right now. Let’s keep it rolling. 🇮🇹🔥
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This week we break down Italy’s 34–19 win over Chile in Genoa — a match where the Azzurri’s quality ultimately shone through, but not without Chile earning plenty of respect. Italy’s early control, highlighted by scores from Ange Capuozzo and Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, set a strong platform.

Chile, though, refused to roll over. A spirited spell either side of halftime narrowed the gap and briefly tested Italy’s composure, showcasing just how far Los Cóndores have come.

In the end, Italy’s depth and precision told the story, with a second Di Bartolomeo try and two clinical finishes from Monty Ioane sealing a deserved win.

We break down the key moments, standout performers, and why this match was a positive step for Italy — while also acknowledging a gritty, promising outing from C
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In this week’s episode, we dive deep into one of the most dramatic Test matches of the year — Italy vs the Springboks in Turin. 🇮🇹🔥🇿🇦

South Africa arrived with 11 changes and still managed to pull off a powerful 32–14 win… despite going down to 14 men after just 11 minutes. 😳🟥

We break down:

How the Springboks turned a red-card disaster into a statement of grit, composure, and world-class depth 💪

Why Italy couldn’t convert pressure into points, including key missed kicks and crucial decision-making moments 🎯

The tactical brilliance behind the Boks’ second-half surge — from van Staden’s momentum-shifting score to Ethan Hooker finishing off a clinical counter-attack ⚡

Whether Italy are genuinely closing the gap on Test rugby’s elite, or still struggling with the fine margins of Tier 1 rugby 🧠

Plus, we ask the big fan questions:
Did Italy blow a golden chance? Who stood out? And what does this result mean for both sides moving forward?

A packed episode with analysis, energy and the big narratives you need. Plug in and get stuck in. 🎧🔥

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