Pocket rocket Minozzi getting better and better – Lee
MATTEO Minozzi is going from ‘strength to strength’ at Wasps, according to head coach Lee Blackett.
The diminutive Italian joined up with his new teammates after his country’s 2019 World Cup campaign and made his Wasps debut in November’s 30-22 victory against Bath at the Ricoh Arena.
Having made nine appearances and scoring two tries in Wasps’ chequered first half of the season, Minozzi was back in the Test set-up for the Azzurri’s Six Nations campaign. After initially being stuck in his homeland due to Covid-19 restrictions, the 24-year-old returned to his club and has played a pivotal role in Wasps’ sparkling form since the Premiership season restarted.
He has featured in six of Wasps’ seven games in which time Blackett’s men have amassed 28 points to rise to second in the table with two rounds remaining.
While the points have not flowed – his last coming eight games ago in January’s victory over Worcester Warriors in Dai Young’s last game in charge – Minozzi’s all-round game has reached new levels.
Wasps boss Blackett had experimented with fly-half Lima Sopoaga in the backfield before lockdown but it appears the 15 shirt is now the Italian’s to lose during the remaining matches of the season.
“I think he is getting better and better,” said Blackett. “I think obviously the language was a big thing for him, his language is improving. And I think he has just got used to the system.
“One, you have to get used to a new system, never mind when you have a language barrier and he is thinking in Italian first, then he is struggling with the translation. So especially in a pivotal position like 15 where you have got to use a lot of communication, I think his communication has been his biggest improvement for me.
“We know what he can do on the field but it’s those little things off the ball. You see how pivotal a 15 is in the way we attack. We need a communicator from that position so that’s one of many positives in this period.”
Minozzi’s counter-attacking ability has been backed up by excellent positioning, security under a high ball and an ability to make crucial try-saving tackles, which was showcased on more than one occasion during Wasps’ 59-35 victory over Bristol Bears.
“He made two fantastic tackles at crucial times for us,” added Blackett, reflecting on last Sunday’s win. “And it’s not the first time since the restart he’s had a positive impact in defence.”