Piotr says...

Italy's XV for Pumas with many young faces in the backline:

15 Luke MCLEAN (37 caps) - 14 Giovanbattista VENDITTI (4 caps) - 13 Roberto QUARTAROLI (3 caps) - 12 Alberto SGARBI (17 caps) - 11 Tommaso BENVENUTI (17 caps) - 10 Kristopher BURTON (14 caps) - 9 Edoardo GORI (13 caps) - 8 Robert BARBIERI (21 caps) - 7 Mauro BERGAMASCO (89 caps) - 6 Alessandro ZANNI (63 caps) - 5 Marco BORTOLAMI (Aironi Rugby, 93 caps) - 4 Antonio PAVANELLO (7 caps) - 3 Martin CASTROGIOVANNI (85 caps) - 2 Carlo FESTUCCIA (51 caps) - 1 Alberto DE MARCHI (uncapped)

Posted 14:07 07th June 2012

j615 says...

Italy to become a team that wins on a more consistent basis have to play more rugby, it might mean taking a few beatings but in the long term it could be beneficial. Having said that anything less than 2 wins on their tour will be a disappointment.

Its a shame the new team aren't going to be based in Rome. The team could have played at Stadio Flaminio in the league and the Olimpico for Heineken Cup - imagine that!? No disrespect to Parma but Rome would also be a more attractive destination for players, fans and probably sponsors. I fear a Parma based team will just be another Aironi but better than nothing, 2 pro teams are essential. In the less 2 years: Gori, Benvenuti and Vendetti all emerged and on their way to making names for themselves on the international stage.

Posted 22:29 06th June 2012

seapointer says...

i thought italy came on a lot in this 6 nations....hopefully they can get even more competitive going forward but what will they really learn playing the two north american teams is questionable

Posted 14:51 06th June 2012