Italy Names Squad for Rugby Clash Against South Africa
Head coach Gonzalo Quesada announces the starting XV for Saturday's Nations Championship match in Turin.
1Strategic Squad Selection
Head coach Gonzalo Quesada has finalized Italy's starting XV for the upcoming Nations Championship match against South Africa. The team faces the world champions this Saturday at 12:40 PM in Turin. This high-stakes encounter serves as the official opening of the highly anticipated Northern Hemisphere Series for the 2026-27 season.
2Backline and Debutants
The back-three features Belloni, Capuozzo, and Monty Ioane, maintaining the same formation used against Chile in November 2025. This match marks a significant milestone for Ioane, who earns his 50th cap. Meanwhile, Samuele Locatelli is set to make his international debut in the number seven jersey, joining the starting back row lineup.
3Leadership and Experience
Giacomo Nicotera will captain the national team on home soil for the first time, having previously debuted in the role during the 2025 Namibia tour. He is supported by vice-captains Niccolò Cannone and Paolo Garbisi. The squad balances emerging talent with seasoned veterans to face the formidable South African defensive line.
4Historical Roster Continuity
Ferrari and Allan remain the only two players in the current squad who participated in Italy's historic 2016 victory over South Africa in Florence. Their presence provides essential experience against the world champions. The front row also includes Hasa, completing a unit tasked with anchoring the scrum against a powerful South African pack.
5Venue and Match Context
The match will be hosted at Juventus's Allianz Stadium in Turin, marking the second consecutive time this specific venue has hosted this fixture. This encounter represents the twentieth meeting between the two nations and the tenth time the match has been held on Italian soil, highlighting a long-standing competitive rugby tradition.
6Broadcast and Officiating
Fans can watch the match live on Sky Sport Uno, with free-to-air coverage available on TV8 and streaming options via NOW. The game will be officiated by Irish referee Eoghan Cross. His management of the breakdown and set-piece phases will be critical in determining the flow of this intense international rugby contest.
7Tactical Half-Back Pairing
The crucial half-back duties are assigned to Paolo Garbisi and Alessandro Fusco, who must manage the game's tempo against South Africa's pressure. Their ability to distribute the ball effectively and execute tactical kicks will be vital. They are supported by a second row featuring the combined experience of Ruzza and Niccolò Cannone.
8Significance of the Series
As the opening match of the Northern Hemisphere Series, this game sets the tone for Italy's international campaign. Facing the world champions provides a rigorous test for Quesada's evolving squad. The outcome will offer a clear indicator of Italy's progress and tactical readiness against top-tier global rugby competition this season.
Original article: ANSA English — Italy Names Squad for Rugby Clash Against South Africa