Rugby returns to time a segment in which the praise of diversity makes every single person participate. We are at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. It's the day of Italy – Scotland. Anyone who enters this sporting temple in the capital, even for the first time, upon seeing the Scottish public applauding Italy for a goal, begins to applaud in turn even if only to reward an athletic gesture: opponent or favorite doesn't matter, rise up from the culture of the enemy it is a caress that reaches everyone. In one of the historical moments in which the narrative of violence increasingly lurks everywhere because it exists, allo Olympic stadium in Rome a show that goes beyond sport is staged, the teams face each other and the fans mix without separation. Kindness is practiced, regardless of the flag one came to support.
Sitting in the stands there are entire families, many boys and girls eating hot dogs and following their heroes with their eyes fixed on the pitch as they run and face each other like divinities reappearing from the myth of ancient Greece. Men and women with a proud Celtic culture who have arrived from another magical place, Scotland, literally sit next to the easily teasing Italians, yet the Italians themselves present at the stadium also overturn this cliché, no one is teasing anyone. Six Nations rugby appears like a parable from which to learn, and this sport has always had magic, let's get into it.
When we step onto the green lawn of the Olimpico for the first time, there are just a few minutes left until 3pm and kick-off. The stadium is full, there isn't a free seat. The athletes are on the field and training across the board, without, once again, any team distinction. To bring the show we are witnessing into all homes and screens, there is Sky Sports which follows the «Guinness Six Nations” live in the Casa dello Sport and streaming on NoW. This will also be the case in 2025. For 25 years, the “Guinness Six Nations” has represented the best of European rugby. The first edition took place in 2000 when Italy joined England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and France to renew the tradition begun in 1883. Since then, every year the best players of the six national teams involved are the protagonists of 15 matches .
Following the frenetic movements of a rugby match is not an ordinary thing, to do so Sky brings an army of eyes inside and above the field: 26 camerasa drone, the ref-cam, to follow the match from the referee's perspective, and the Robi-cam, which offers an exclusive aerial view and brings the audience directly into the fray.
On the sidelines we meet two rugby giants: Diego Dominguezthe best player of our national team of all time and author of over 1000 points at international level, and Andrea De Rossi. The two Italian legends will discuss the themes of the matches and will accompany the fans and enthusiasts to the kick-off. The commentary is entrusted to Francesco Pierantozzi together with Federico Fusetti. When we start chatting De Rossi tells us that he actually wanted to play football as a child. «But my coach always left me in panic. One day, after yet another disappointment at not having taken to the field, a friend told me that this sport called rugby existed. That day my story in this world began.” A reality made of concrete values: friendship, loyalty, respect for others. Diego Domiguez repeats it that as soon as we ask him for his definition of rugby he has no doubts: «It's friendship».
It's time for the national anthems, then the Bersaglieri and the bagpipes which immediately catapult us a stone's throw from Queen Elizabeth's summer estate. When the players start running all over the pitch we don't know that we are about to witness one of the most extraordinary matches in the history of Italrugby, destined, with its result, to put an end to a wait that had lasted for 11 years. And after two halves full of twists and unbridled cheering, Italy, led by Gonzalo Quesada, wins and beats Scotland with two points to spare.
The match ends 31 to 29 and the stadium explodes with Italian flags waving and fans hugging. The giants of rugby hold the ball of the last try to their chest and are moved. The Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a rugby enthusiast, also rejoices in the stands. A gentleman in a kilt turns towards us and extends his hand to congratulate us. It's rugby, baby.
On Saturday 16 March the event continues at 3.15pm: Italy returns to the field in Cardiff against Wales. Following on Sky Sport Uno will be the match between Ireland and Scotland narrated by Paolo Malpezzi and Pippo Frati, while at 9pm the 2024 «Guinness Six Nations» ends with France and England, on Sky Sport Arena with the story by Francesco Pierantozzi and Diego Dominguez.
On Sky and streaming on NOW there will also be space for Women's Guinness Six Nations 2024with the blue team, on the field since March 24th.
Source: Vanity Fair
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