I see Ron Barassi has been named as coach of the Italian team of the century. Why on earth wouldn't he be nominated as a player and be captain/ coach? After all, his dad has been nominated as well as many other past players from a long time ago. Just curious. Does anyone know the answer to this one?

I'm not sure. I looked at the list recently, and came up with exactly the same question. Surely he should be considered as a player?

I remember on the news hearing he didn't qualify for some reason. Maybe because he was third or fourth generation Australian. They definitely had a rule about how 'Italian' you had to be.

Having said that not sure why he was made coach if he didn't qualify as a player?

I see Ron Barassi has been named as coach of the Italian team of the century. Why on earth wouldn't he be nominated as a player and be captain/ coach? After all, his dad has been nominated as well as many other past players from a long time ago. Just curious. Does anyone know the answer to this one?

Does the answer contain the word "Rugolo"?

One of the Criteria to be in the starting 22 is that you must have been born in Italy, have either parent or grandparents being born in Italy. ie. up to 2nd gereration. Ron Barassi is 3rd generation. You will notice his dad qualified (he was 2nd generation). No doubt he would have been named Captain Coach if the criteria had extended to 3rd, generation, but then James Hird would also have qualified under 3rd generation (maternal great grand mother). where do you stop!!!!!!!!

The same criteria was not set for the coach or administrators.