Italy - players.bio

Warren Gatland admits Italy showdown now ‘pretty important’ for wounded Wales

Warren Gatland says Wales cannot hide away from the importance of a Six Nations appointment with Italy in Rome after they were demolished 43-0 by France.

D Gukesh Draws With Wei Yi, R Praggnanandhaa Outwits Fabiano Caruana In Tata Steel Masters

World champion D Gukesh maintained his half-point lead with an easy draw against Wei Yi of China, while R Praggnanandhaa outwitted top seed Fabiano Caruana of the United States to come within striking distance of the leader after the 11th round of Tata Steel Masters here. Playing the white side of an Italian game, Gukesh went for a relatively new plan by pushing his central pawn in the opening that just helped Wei Yi maintain parity after the trade of queens. The Indian was up a pawn when the endgame surfaced but the position was level and the peace was signed in 30 moves.

Man City make loan decision while midfielder chase hots up amid £50m transfer chase

Manchester City are set to cut short Kayky's loan spell with Sparta Rotterdam to allow the winger to spend the second half the season elsewhere, while the Blues are also chasing late deals of their own.

Fabien Galthie questions red card call while Wales brace for 'huge' Italy game

France made their Six Nations opener look like a canter as they destroyed Wales on Friday but lost Romain Ntamack through a red card, which ruled the flyhalf out of next weekend's clash against England. Fabien Galthie's side rolled over the visitors in a 43-0 drubbing to add to their three victories in last year's autumn series with Antoine Dupont playing chief tormentor in a scintillating first half. "The team is different when Dupont is here. He is the best player in the world and brings energy to all the players with his talent," Gregory Alldritt said. Dupont was back in the Six Nations after skipping last year's championship to prepare for the Olympics before winning the Rugby Sevens gold, and he returned with a bang. The scrumhalf delivered three assists before being replaced shortly after the interval. Although Dupont had to have his calf strapped, Galthie was reassuring about his condition ahead of next weekend's clash against England in Twickenham. Galthie praised France's discipline, with only three penalties conceded although Ntamack's red card for a shoulder-to-head tackle was a woeful low for the flyhalf. Ntamack was back with France after missing the Six Nations last year and the World Cup through injuries. "There is no question it's a yellow card, whether it's a red is debatable because he doesn't fully engage into the tackle," Galthie argued, despite some damning TV footage.