Men’s Autumn Internationals 2025 brings another fascinating encounter as Italy hosts Australia (Wallabies) in Week 2 of the Quilter Nations Series. The much-anticipated fixture is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, with the kick-off set for 5:40 p.m. GMT (6:40 p.m. local time).
This match promises high drama and tactical intrigue, as Italy looks to prove their continued rise in international rugby, while Australia aims to bounce back from a challenging few seasons under a rejuvenated setup.
Match Details and Kick-off Time
- Fixture: Italy vs Australia (Wallabies)
- Event: Men’s Autumn Internationals 2025 – Week 2
- Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Venue: Bluenergy Stadium, Udine, Italy
- Kick-off Time: 5:40 p.m. GMT / 6:40 p.m. CET / 4:40 a.m. AEDT (Sunday)
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Australia dominates the head-to-head against Italy, having won 19 of their 20 meetings, with Italy’s single victory coming in that stunning 2022 upset. However, the gap between the two nations has visibly narrowed in recent years. Italy’s success has come from better player development, a stronger domestic league, and improved conditioning that allows them to compete for the full 80 minutes.
Australia, on the other hand, enters this fixture with something to prove. The Wallabies are rebuilding under a refreshed coaching setup that blends youthful energy with traditional Wallaby attacking flair.
Italy’s Form Recent Performances
Italy’s form leading into the 2025 Autumn Nations Series has been encouraging. Despite tough contests in the Six Nations, their attacking game has matured considerably. Key victories in the summer and competitive showings against top sides have shown that Italy is no longer an easy opponent. Under coach Gonzalo Quesada, the team has found balance between physicality and flair, led by standout talents in both the forwards and backline.
Australia’s Form Recent Performances
Australia continues its rebuilding journey following a turbulent few years. The Wallabies have shown flashes of brilliance in the 2025 Rugby Championship, where new leadership and an infusion of young stars have started to yield results. Their set-piece has improved, and their tactical kicking game is sharper than in previous years. However, inconsistency remains a concern, particularly against disciplined European sides.
Key Players to Watch
Italy
- Ange Capuozzo – The explosive fullback remains Italy’s most electric player, capable of turning defence into attack in seconds.
- Michele Lamaro – The inspirational captain anchors the pack and sets the tone in breakdown battles.
- Paolo Garbisi – A world-class fly-half whose calm control and precise kicking will be critical to Italy’s structure.
- Sebastian Negri – The dynamic flanker brings physicality and relentless work rate in open play.
Australia
- Carter Gordon – The young playmaker leads Australia’s new generation with creativity and confidence.
- Rob Valetini – One of the world’s best back-row forwards, combining power, pace, and technical excellence.
- Mark Nawaqanitawase – A dangerous winger who thrives in broken play and aerial contests.
- Taniela Tupou – The “Tongan Thor” adds immense strength to the scrum and can shift momentum with big carries.
Broadcast Information: How to Watch Live
Rugby fans around the globe can tune in live to watch Italy vs Australia from Udine. Below is the full TV and streaming schedule by region.
| Region | Channel / Platform | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Sky Italia / NOW TV | Exclusive live coverage and post-match analysis. |
| Australia | Stan Sport | Streaming live and on demand across all devices. |
| UK & Ireland | TNT Sports (via Discovery+ Premium, Sky, BT, EE, Virgin Media) | Official UK broadcaster for the Autumn Internationals. |
| United States | Peacock | NBC Universal’s streaming service will show all matches live. |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ / Sky Sport Now | Full coverage for All Blacks and other international matches. |
| South Africa | SuperSport | The continent’s main rugby broadcaster with HD coverage. |
Streaming Options
For cord-cutters, services such as Discovery+, Stan Sport, and Peacock provide seamless HD streams, expert commentary, and full-match replays. Ensure you have regional access or a valid subscription to enjoy uninterrupted coverage.
Italy’s Approach
Italy’s modern game plan is built on speed, precision, and creativity. Expect them to rely on quick ball movement, exploiting space with Garbisi’s tactical kicking and Capuozzo’s counterattacking brilliance. Their pack, led by Lamaro and Negri, will look to contest every breakdown and starve the Wallabies of front-foot momentum.
Australia’s Game Plan
The Wallabies will lean on their physical edge and attacking unpredictability. They’re likely to test Italy’s defence with fast recycling, offloads through the middle channels, and cross-field kicking to stretch the defence. The Wallabies’ bench strength, especially among the forwards, could prove decisive in the final 20 minutes.
Venue Spotlight: Bluenergy Stadium, Udine
The Bluenergy Stadium, home to Udinese Calcio, transforms into a fortress for Italy’s rugby internationals. With a capacity of around 25,000, it provides an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere ideal for a high-intensity clash. Located in the heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the venue has previously hosted European rugby fixtures and is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and fan engagement areas.
A Historic Meeting in Udine
The Bluenergy Stadium will be buzzing with energy as Italy faces off against one of the sport’s powerhouses. The match marks a return to Udine for international rugby after several years, giving local fans the rare opportunity to witness the Azzurri take on a Tier 1 southern hemisphere giant.
Italy made history in November 2022, when they defeated Australia 28–27 in Florence, recording their first-ever win over the Wallabies after decades of trying. That match became a defining moment in Italian rugby, showcasing the nation’s growing confidence and technical evolution under coach Kieran Crowley. Now, in 2025, a new chapter begins — can Italy do it again on home soil?
The Italy vs Australia showdown in the Men’s Autumn Internationals 2025 is more than just a test match — it’s a meeting of ambition, redemption, and national pride. Whether Italy can repeat their heroics or the Wallabies reclaim dominance, fans are guaranteed an unforgettable evening of world-class rugby.
Rugby enthusiasts around the world should mark their calendars — November 8, 2025, in Udine will be a night to remember.
