RUGBY MATTERS
BRENDAN GALLAGHER

MY little trip down memory lane last week which took in the much missed Flamino Stadium in Rome inspired me to chase up a hunch... namely that Italy don't enjoy playing in the vast stadio Olimpico.
That the grandeur and lack of rugby passion there rather freaks them out and they tend to freeze. Great tick box venue for visiting fans, not so much for the home team.
And it appears I’m right. Historically, of Italy’s 16 home wins over T1 nations just three have been achieved at the Olimpico. Indeed in 36 Tests they have played there Italy have won just thr...