Tommaso Allan says Italy’s historic win over England is a moment of pride for a squad that has worked years to shed its underdog tag in the Six Nations.
The veteran flyhalf was part of the Azzurri squad that stunned England 23-18 in Rome last weekend – Italy’s first-ever Test victory over the English.
Allan – nephew of former Springbok hooker John Allan – says the result marked another milestone in a career that began during a period when Italy regularly finished with the wooden spoon.
Now 32, Allan has witnessed the nation’s steady rise first-hand. He also featured in Italy’s breakthrough wins over the Springboks in 2016 and Australia in 2022.
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“I had a bit of a think about it on Sunday. It is special, obviously, that we’re able to achieve these results, but we’ve worked so hard for it,” said Allan.
“We might not have the same facilities that England do or other teams do, but we just want to play for the jersey and represent our country and try and make people happy who follow us.
“It may be tough to realise in the moment when you’re there, but once you step out of it a little bit and realise what’s happened in the last few years, it’s going to feel very special.”
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Italy’s win over England marked a watershed moment for a side that went five years, between 2016 and 2021, without a single Six Nations victory.
But under coach Gonzalo Quesada, the Azzurri have grown into a far more resilient Test team.
They trailed by two points at half-time in Rome but refused to buckle, with the flawless goal-kicking of Paolo Garbisi ultimately proving decisive.
Allan himself returned to action in the closing stages after nearly four months out with injury, joining in the jubilant scenes at the final whistle.
“A lot of times, obviously, in those close games back in the day, they probably would get away from us. It shows the character of the group and the things we worked on for the last couple of years,” he said.
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Italy now head into their final match against Wales chasing another slice of history.
Victory would give the Azzurri their best-ever return of three wins in a single Six Nations campaign.
– AFP
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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