(ANSA-AFP) - DUBLIN, JAN 22 - "I grew up in Argentina watching the Six Nations in February with the shop shutters down and the anthems at full volume. Being the first Argentine coach of a national team playing in the Six Nations makes me proud, it's a true honor and a great privilege.
The emotion is great, but I have to remain rational to analyze the next matches."
This was said by Italrugby coach Gonzalo Quesada in Dublin during the presentation of this year's tournament which will begin on Friday 2 February with France-Ireland in Marseille and which will see the Azzurri at the Olimpico the following day, Saturday 3 (starting at 3.15pm). against England, third place in the recent World Cup.
"I had the opportunity as an assistant of the French national team to live the experience of the Six Nations - Quesada continues -, but as head coach it is something else".
The 49-year-old former fly-half then underlines that he "really respects" the work done by his predecessor, the New Zealander Kieran Crowley, but that he perceived that Italy "lacked Latin passion".
"I'm Latin but I have an Anglo-Saxon way of thinking - explains Quesada -, however I really appreciate Latin emotions. For me they are very important, especially when we play rugby. In my Italy I want a little more passion and sacred fire. I want to make the side stronger Latin of Italian rugby" (ANSA-AFP).
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