Italy host Argentina at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa on Saturday in Round 5 of the Nations Championship, with both sides looking to bounce back from heavy defeats last weekend.
Italy were thrashed 66–7 by South Africa in Turin, while Argentina suffered a disappointing 42–12 defeat to Ireland in Dublin. Neither side will be particularly happy with their recent performances, although the Pumas have enjoyed considerably more success in this competition.
Argentina are favourites to extend their excellent recent record against Italy, but the Italians will be desperate to give their home supporters something to cheer about after a difficult campaign.
Match: Italy v Argentina
Competition: Nations Championship, Round 5
Venue: Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Genoa
Date: Saturday 14 November 2026
Kick-off: 13:40 South African time
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (England), Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)
Weather Forecast: The early outlook suggests a cool, cloudy afternoon in Genoa, with temperatures around 14–16°C. Conditions currently look reasonable for rugby, although the possibility of rain and wind should be checked closer to kick-off.
Hourly weather forecast – Genoa
Italy
Italy have endured a miserable Nations Championship campaign, losing all four matches and sitting bottom of the Northern Hemisphere standings without a competition point.
They opened with a disappointing 27–10 defeat to Japan before suffering heavy losses to New Zealand and Australia in July.
Things went from bad to worse against South Africa last weekend, with the Springboks running in ten tries in a comprehensive 66–7 victory in Turin.
Italy have now conceded 197 points in four matches, an average of more than 49 points per game, while scoring just 44 themselves.
Injuries have certainly not helped Gonzalo Quesada's side. They were missing several important players against South Africa, including regular captain Michele Lamaro, centres Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello, and experienced forward Sebastian Negri.
The absence of those players has left Italy particularly vulnerable in defence and at the breakdown.
The Italians will be hoping for a significant improvement against Argentina, although their recent record against the Pumas offers little encouragement.
Nations Championship Results and Fixtures:
Round 1: Japan (a) LOST 10–27
Round 2: New Zealand (a) LOST 17–47
Round 3: Australia (a) LOST 10–57
Round 4: South Africa (h) LOST 7–66
Round 5: Argentina (h) – 14 November
Round 6: Fiji (h) – 21 November
Argentina
Argentina have had a mixed Nations Championship campaign and currently sit fourth in the Southern Hemisphere standings with seven points from four matches.
The Pumas opened their campaign with a 47–38 defeat to Scotland before bouncing back to beat Wales 35–21.
However, they were unable to build on that victory, losing 31–24 to England in their final July fixture.
They returned to action last Friday against Ireland in Dublin, where there had been considerable support for Argentina in the betting markets.
The Pumas' handicap shortened from +12.5 to +9.5 during the week, but they were completely outplayed after a promising opening ten minutes and eventually went down 42–12.
That was a disappointing performance from a side that had been expected to give Ireland a much tougher contest.
They will be looking to respond strongly against Italy, particularly with a difficult trip to France awaiting them in the final round.
The Pumas have dominated recent meetings between the two countries, and Contepomi will expect his side to continue that record in Genoa.
Nations Championship Results and Fixtures:
Round 1: Scotland (h) LOST 38–47
Round 2: Wales (h) WON 35–21
Round 3: England (h) LOST 24–31
Round 4: Ireland (a) LOST 12–42
Round 5: Italy (a) – 14 November
Round 6: France (a) – 21 November
Recent Head to Head
November 2024 – Udine – Italy 18–50 ARGENTINA
November 2021 – Treviso – Italy 16–37 ARGENTINA
November 2017 – Florence – Italy 15–31 ARGENTINA
June 2016 – Santa Fe – ARGENTINA 30–24 Italy
November 2014 – Genoa – Italy 18–20 ARGENTINA
Argentina have won the last five meetings between the sides, including a convincing 50–18 victory in Udine in November 2024.
The Pumas have scored at least 30 points in four of those five matches, and Italy have not beaten Argentina since their 13–12 victory in Córdoba in 2008.
The sides also met in Genoa in 2014, when Argentina edged a closely contested match 20–18.
Team News
Italy
Gonzalo Quesada has several injury concerns following the defeat to South Africa, with the availability of a number of experienced players still to be confirmed.
Starting XV: To follow.
Replacements: To follow.
Argentina
Felipe Contepomi will be looking for a response after the heavy defeat to Ireland, and changes to the starting lineup are possible.
Starting XV: To follow.
Replacements: To follow.
The Betting
Betting as at 09 November 2026
Italy +11.5 points at 1.91
Argentina -11.5 points at 1.91
The bookmakers initially had Italy receiving a 10.5-point start, but the handicap has moved out to +11.5.
Betting Angle
To follow.
I'll be keeping an eye on the team selections, weather conditions and any further handicap movement before deciding whether to get involved.
Follow our Nations Championship Round 5 betting blog for betting-related news and tips throughout the week.
See what other punters fancy and have your say in the Nations Championship Round 5 discussion thread.
Disclaimer: Betting odds and handicaps are correct at the time of writing but may change. Punters should check the latest prices, team news, weather conditions and relevant form before placing their bets.
