Manuel Zuliani: Italy’s Rising Star & Six Nations Hope

The Italian national rugby team appears poised for a new level of competitiveness heading into the 2026 Six Nations Championship, fueled by a burgeoning depth of talent in the back row. At the forefront of this rise is Manuel Zuliani, a 25-year-old openside flanker whose performances are rapidly establishing him as a key player for both club and country.

Zuliani’s Ascent

Zuliani’s success is particularly notable given the presence of Michele Lamaro, his captain at both Benetton and for Italy. Despite competing for the same position, Zuliani has distinguished himself, culminating in a Man of the Match performance against Australia during the recent Autumn Nations Series. He followed that up with another strong showing in a narrow defeat to South Africa.

Did You Know? Manuel Zuliani scored a try while starting for Italy against the Springboks on Italy’s summer tour last July.

While Lamaro missed the games against Australia and South Africa due to injury, the case for Zuliani starting at No. 7 when Scotland visits the Stadio Olimpico on February 7th is growing. The pair have previously started together in a Test match against Ireland in 2024, with Lamaro shifting to No. 8.

Competition for the Back Row

Head coach Gonzalo Quesada faces a positive challenge in selecting his back row, with Lorenzo Cannone and Ross Vintcent also demonstrating strong form in November. Further depth is provided by Riccardo Favretto, Alessandro Izekor, and David Odiase. The return of Sebastian Negri, a long-established starter who missed the Autumn Nations Series with a knee injury, adds another dimension to the competition.

Zuliani himself acknowledges the healthy competition within the squad, emphasizing a collaborative spirit fostered by both Benetton and the national team. He credits Lamaro with helping him improve his passing and overall ball-handling skills, highlighting a willingness among players to share knowledge and support each other’s development.

Expert Insight: The depth of talent in Italy’s back row represents a significant shift for the program, moving beyond reliance on a few key players to a position of strength where competition drives continuous improvement.

A Mature Italian Squad

Zuliani’s development from an “impact player” – best utilized against tiring opponents – to a consistently effective starter against formidable teams like Australia and South Africa demonstrates his growth and confidence. He describes a newfound maturity within the Italian squad, a team that is now better equipped to handle pressure and react to momentum shifts during matches.

This maturation is reflected in recent successes, including two comeback victories against Scotland in the Six Nations two years ago, as well as wins over Wales and a draw against France. Italy is aiming to build on this foundation, establishing Rome as a fortress and striving for consistent performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Manuel Zuliani play?

Manuel Zuliani plays openside flanker for both Benetton and Italy.

Who is Italy’s captain?

Michele Lamaro is the captain of both Benetton and the Italian national rugby team.

What recent successes has Italy achieved?

Italy twice recovered from significant deficits to defeat Scotland during a Six Nations tournament and also defeated Wales in Cardiff and drew with France in Lille.

What impact will this newfound depth and maturity have on Italy’s performance in the upcoming Six Nations?