Italy to host All Blacks at the home of Italian football giants

Italy will play host to the All Blacks at the home of football giants Juventus, the famous Allianz Stadium, in their end-of-year international on November 23.

The decision was confirmed by the FIR on Thursday and it will be the first time the side has played at the venue that was formerly known as Stadio delle Alpi.

Italy are eager to spread the word of rugby and playing in such a stadium that has witnessed some of football’s greats showcase their talents builds excitement.

Three-game schedule

The Azzurri begin their November internationals with a match against Argentina on Saturday, November 9 before they play host to Georgia the following week.

Then the focus will turn to the showdown with New Zealand as Gonzalo Quesada’s outfit look to finish their campaign with a famous victory over the All Blacks.

Italy enjoyed an impressive Six Nations this year, winning two games and drawing one out of their five matches, as they finished four points off second position.

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Avoiding the Wooden Spoon for the first time since 2015 was a massive step in the right direction for the Azzurri, with winless Wales bottom of the pile in 2024.

Furthermore, in-form centre Tommaso Menoncello was later crowned the Guinness Men’s Player of the Championship after an impressive tournament at 13.

Unknown All Blacks

The All Blacks kick off a new era this year under head coach Scott Robertson, who has taken over from Ian Foster after he left his role after the 2023 World Cup.

The former Crusaders guru will be looking to hit the ground running in July against England in an exciting two-match series on home soil before they face Fiji.

New Zealand’s focus will then turn to the Rugby Championship before the year-end internationals, with the All Blacks having never lost to Italy in 16 meetings.

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