Italian veteran flanker Mauro Bergamasco could be set to equal the record of appearing at five separate Rugby World Cup tournaments tomorrow if he comes off the bench against Canada.

Since making his international debut in 1998 at the age of 17, Bergamasco has won 104 international caps for Italy and has gone on to become a regular for the Azzurri and is one of the most recognisable faces in Italian rugby along with his younger brother, Mirco.

The 36-year-old made his first Rugby World Cup appearance against England at Twickenham in a 67-7 loss in 1999.

In August, Jaques Brunel named Bergamasco in his 31 man squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, giving him the chance to appear at his fifth separate tournament.

Although he was not selected for Italy’s opening defeat against France, Bergamasco has however been named on the replacements bench for tomorrow’s encounter with Canada.

Should Bergamasco cross the whitewash and make an appearance for Italy tomorrow, he will equal the record set by Brian Lima when he appeared at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.

Italy go in search of their first victory of the 2015 Rugby World Cup when they take on Canada at Elland Road, Leeds, on Saturday.

They still remain without inspirational captain Sergio Parisse through injury, and fan favourite Martin Castrogiovanni has been dropped to the substitutes bench.