Italian rugby player and coach who led the national team to several international victories, including a historic win over the All Blacks in 2007.
Marzio Innocenti, born on 4 September 1958 in Livorno, Italy, is a renowned Italian rugby union player, coach, and current sports director. He is particularly known for his remarkable playing career as a flanker and a number 8, which spanned over a decade and earned him 42 international caps, 20 of which he played as the captain of the Italian national team.
Innocenti's rugby journey began in his hometown of Livorno, where he developed his skills and eventually moved to Padua to play for Petrarca. During his time with Petrarca, he won four league titles, with the last one being as the captain of the side. His impressive performance propelled him to make his international debut for Italy in 1981 in the FIRA Trophy, a predecessor of the present-day European Nations Cup, where Italy won 23-0 against Western Germany.
After retiring from active play, Innocenti pursued a degree in medicine from the University of Padua and became an otorhinolaryngologist. He then ventured into coaching, starting as part of Bertrand Fourcade's staff at the 1991 Rugby World Cup. During this period, he also coached the Italian A team alongside Massimo Mascioletti and Stefano Romagnoli.
In 1991, Innocenti took charge of CUS Padova, leading the team until 1996, when they earned promotion to Serie A1 (now Top12), the highest tier of Italian rugby, for the first time in their history. Under his guidance, the team discovered talented players such as internationals Nicola Mazzucato and Gianluca Faliva. In 1996, he stepped down as coach to become the club's Director of Rugby.
In 2000, Innocenti was elected to the board of the Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR), a role he was reconfirmed in 2004. Although he was defeated by Giancarlo Dondi in his bid for the FIR presidency in 2004, Innocenti continued to contribute to the development of Italian rugby.
On 21 March 2021, Innocenti became the president of the Italian rugby federation, a testament to his enduring influence on the sport. Throughout his career, Innocenti has demonstrated a remarkable ability to transition between playing, coaching, and administrative roles, leaving an indelible mark on Italian rugby.
In addition to his impressive rugby achievements, Innocenti has been recognized for his contributions to the sport. He has received numerous honors, including his election to the Italian Rugby Hall of Fame. His commitment to the development of rugby in Italy has been instrumental in shaping the country's rugby landscape.
In conclusion, Marzio Innocenti's multifaceted career has left an enduring impact on Italian rugby. As a player, coach, and administrator, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and passion for the sport. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of rugby enthusiasts in Italy and beyond.
42 Years Old
A dominant force in Italian rugby, leading the national team to numerous victories and earning over 150 caps, while also being a pioneer for Argentine players in European rugby.
60 Years Old
An Argentinian-Italian rugby player who represented both countries in international competitions, known for his impressive skills on the pitch.
59 Years Old
Italian rugby player and coach who played for the national team and later coached the Italian women's team, known for his contributions to the sport's development in Italy.
68 Years Old
Italian rugby player who won 58 caps for the national team and was part of the squad that won the 2003 Six Nations Championship. He's also known for his club career with Benetton Treviso.
52 Years Old
Italian rugby player and coach who won 47 caps for Italy and later coached the national team, known for his successful playing and coaching career in the sport.
46 Years Old
A former Italian rugby union player and captain, known for his impressive lock forward skills and leading the national team in several international competitions.
