Italy “A” names team for Churchill Cup debut

Italy 'A' Coach Gianluca Guidi

Italy “A” coach Gianluca Guidi has revealed the team that will face Canada in the Churchill Cup opener on Saturday June 4 at Franklin’s Gardens.

The Azzurri, who are making their debut in the competition this weekend, will clash with the North Americans under the watchful eye of Italy Head Coach Nick Mallett, who will attend the game ahead of finalising his Rugby World Cup squad later this month.

Speaking of his selection, Guidi said: “We will line up with some very experienced internationals such as Marco Bortolami, Mauro Bergamasco and team captain Valerio Bernabò, shoulder to shoulder with emerging guys such as Trevisan, hooker Tommaso D’Apice and centre Denis Majstorovic. All of them played very well in the Italian Championship this season and deserve their selection”.

However, Guidi revealed he is expecting a tough challenge from the Canadians:

“It will be a tough game, no doubt. Canada reached the Churchill Cup final in 2010, beating France in the pool phase, and the Canadians will be committed to perform at their best ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup”

Talking about his side’s debut in the competition, he added:

“It is a privilege for us to compete in the Churchill Cup for the first time and we’ve picked an interesting squad, with some new guys emerging from the Union youth system. We’re working closely with Nick Mallett and his staff and we hope to give him indications for the World Cup”.

Italy “A” vs. Canada, June 4, Franklin’s Gardens, 1430.

Italy “A”
15 Ruggero TREVISAN (BancaMonteParma Crociati)*
14 Andrea BACCHETTI (Femi-CZ Rovigo, 2 caps)
13 Denis MAJSTOROVIC (Estra I Cavalieri Prato)
12 Matteo PRATICHETTI (MPS Aironi, 22 caps)
11 Michele SEPE (Benetton Treviso, 3 caps)
10 Riccardo BOCCHINO (MPS Aironi, 6 caps)*
9 Tito TEBALDI (MPS Aironi, 14 caps)
8 Manoa VOSAWAI (Benetton Treviso, 8 caps)
7 Mauro BERGAMASCO (Stade Francais, 84 caps)
6 Valerio BERNABO’ (Benetton Treviso, 19 caps) – captain
5 Marco BORTOLAMI (MPS Aironi, 84 caps)
4 Corniel VAN ZYL (Benetton Treviso)
3 Fabio STAIBANO (MPS Aironi, 9 caps)
2 Tommaso D’APICE (Futura Park Rugby Roma)*
1 Alberto DE MARCHI (MPS Aironi)

Replacements:
16 Andrea MANICI (HBS GranDucato Parma)*
17 Matias AGUERO (MPS Aironi, 17 caps)
18 Dario CHISTOLINI (Petrarca Padova)
19 Joshua FURNO (MPS Aironi)*
20 Francesco MINTO (Benetton Treviso)
21 Giulio TONIOLATTI (MPS Aironi, 5 caps)
25 Durandt GERBER (HBS GranDucato Parma)