Italy call in Barbieri, Buondonno

Editor

Italy have called back-row Robert Barbieri and uncapped wing Andrea Buondonno into their squad that is preparing to face England in Rome.

Buondonno has been added after full-back David Odiete suffered a sprained ankle against France in their Six Nations opener last weekend.

"Odiete, who made his debut in the number 15 jersey on Saturday, was subjected to X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] scans," a statement from Italy read on Tuesday, with the Azzurri starting their training week on the back of a 23-21 defeat to les Bleus.

"They showed a sprained left ankle with partial ligament damage and bone bruising. He is expected to be available in two weeks and was replaced by his uncapped Mogliano club-mate Andrea Buondonno."

On the arrival of Barbieri, Italy's statement continued: "Jacopo Sarto, absent in France, is still suffering with a hamstring muscle problem. Replacing him is Benetton Treviso flanker Robert Barbieri, who has 39 appearances for the national team.

"The progress of the rectus femoris muscle trauma suffered by George Biagi will be assessed over the course of the week with regards to his possible availability against the Red Rose."

Italy squad preparing to face England

Forwards: Martin Castrogiovanni, Dario Chistolini, Lorenzo Cittadini, Andrea Lovotti, Matteo Zanusso, Ornel Gega, Davide Giazzon, Valerop Bernabò, George Fabio Biagi, Marco Fuser, Robert Barbieri, Francesco Minto, Sergio Parisse (c), Abraham Steyn, Dries van Schalkwyk, Alessandro Zanni

Backs: Edoardo Gori, Guglielmo Palazzani, Carlo Canna, Edoardo Padovani, Mattia Bellini, Giulio Bisegni, Andrea Buondonno, Michele Campagnaro, Tommaso Castello, Gonzalo Garcia, Kelly Haimona, Luke McLean, Andrea Pratichetti, Leonardo Sarto