The Aix-les-Bains native has been part of three national training camps in preparation for the Autumn Nations Series, and could be unleashed from the bench against the Pumas.
If any player has been patient in waiting for their first cap to arrive, it's Gazzotti. As head coach Fabien Galthié has indicated, 'Gazzo' is out to get that blue jersey. Of the eight rookies called up by Galthié and his staff just before the start of the Autumn Nations Series, the 20-year-old will be only the third after second rower Tevita Tatafu and fullback Romain Buros to receive a cap.
The leading U20 player in 2023
The name Marko Gazzotti is becoming ingrained in French rugby consciousness, and for good reason. Voted the best player of the U20 World Cup last year (the year the Bleuets took their third consecutive victory), this explosive back rower left a huge impression. Only 18 years old at the time, he was already outclassing far more experienced opponents, having been spotted while playing in Pro D2 for Grenoble.
Now at Bordeaux-Bègles, the youngster was called up to the 2024 Six Nations with both the U20s (featuring against England) and the senior team. Fabien Galthié's called him up to the 34-man squad to prepare for the clash against Italy. At 19, he was on the verge of earning his first cap, but it looks likely that will now come at 20 during this Autumn Nations Series.
French-Lithuanian
The 6'3" Gazzotti is not just a physical player. Considered the future of France's back row, the number eight can cover openside and blindside, and has topped the speed charts among the French forwards. Raised on a diet of rugby since he was five years old, Gazzotti is the son of a former Lithuanian handball-playing mother (he speaks the language too) and a father of Italian origin. He boasts an explosive mix of power (he has an 89% success rate in tackling this season in Top 14), intelligence and technique.
Prevented from fully developing due to injuries (thumb and ankle) last year, he came back stronger this season and featured in Bordeaux's first nine games of the season, including six as a starter.
According to Yannick Bru, Bordeaux's head coach: "Marko is a force of nature. His speed combined with his power makes him a dominant player in contact. He is also formidable in the rucks." Qualities which, added to his game intelligence and his ability to move his team forward, make him an exceptional player. His heroes indicate a lofty but attainable ambition: "Richie McCaw and Thierry Dusautoir for their shadow work, and Louis Picamoles because he was always moving forward."
Moefana's praise
In 2023, Toulon and Montpellier were after Gazzotti's signature, but it was Bordeaux who won it. At the Stade Chaban-Delmas, he plays alongside big names for club and country like Yoram Moefana and Damian Penaud.
"Marko is a nice guy," says Moefana. "He was too strong for opponents at the start of the season. Every time he had the ball, he took everyone apart. We are lucky in Bordeaux to have youngsters like Gazzo. He is really someone who has power, speed. He goes straight and doesn't think."
There is no doubt that his place in the match day 23 for this Friday's meeting with Argentina is deserved. Today, Gazzotti is establishing himself as a future great. Whether in the colours of Bordeaux-Bègles or with the national side, one thing is certain: people will continue to talk about 'Gazzo' for a long time yet.
France v Argentina, Friday 22nd November, 20:10 GMT. Live on TNT Sports.
