Today, at the Spark Arena, seven of the eight teams who will be based in Auckland for the World Cup were welcomed to the City of Sails through an event put on by FIFA and local institutions. The Azzurre attended and took part in the ‘pōwhiri’, a Māori welcoming ceremony characterised by songs, cultural performances and the hongi, a traditional greeting used by the Polynesian people. In addition to Italy, the USA, Norway, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Portugal and the tournament hosts were all involved, with Argentina, who are yet to arrive in New Zealand, the only side absent.

It was an exciting afternoon for all the delegations present as they got to enjoy a cultural experience that marked and celebrated the beginning of their journeys at the World Cup, which is being staged in the southern hemisphere for the first time. The tournament will kick off on Thursday 20 July when New Zealand face Norway at Eden Park in Auckland (19:00 local time). The same stadium will then host Italy’s game against Argentina four days later. This evening, the players and staff will head to the Mount Smart Stadium to watch the All Blacks take on South Africa in the Rugby Championship.

Tomorrow morning, the team will hold their first open session at Shepherds Park. Around 250 people will be in attendance, including local fans, local residents, players from the club hosting the Azzurre, as well as FIFA staff and accredited journalists.