Zebre boss Christian Gajan has named his starting XV for Saturday's first ever PRO12 derby against Treviso in Parma.
After being rested for the last Heineken Cup match against Harlequins, there are several players back into the matchday 23.
Amongst the forwards, the big news is the return of Italian internationals Quintin Geldenhuys (lock) and Mauro Bergamasco (flank).
Geldenhuys is paired in the second row with Josh Sole while captain Nicola Cattina and number eight Andries Van Shalkwyk complete the back row.
Experienced prop Salvatore Perugini, hooker Carlo Festuccia and young front-rower Carlo Fazzari -who is a former Treviso player - pack down up front.
In the back-line, Luciano Orquera (fly-half) and Tito Tebaldi (scrum-half) form an Italian international half-back combination while
Treviso born Paolo Buso will partner Matteo Pratichetti in the centres.
The back three comprises of Sinoti Sinoti (full-back), Giovanbattista Venditti (right wing) and Leonardo Sarto (left wing).
Zebre were dealt a blow, however, as Australian utility back Daniel Halangahu is forced to miss the game after sustaining an injury occurred in last weekend's loss at the Stoop to Harlequins.
Meanwhile, Treviso boss Franco Smith has made just one change to his starting XV after their narrow defeat to Harlequins in the Heineken Cup last weekend.
Dean Budd starts at number eight in place of Manoa Vosawai. Budd started at flank against Quins and his place on the side of the scrum is taken by Simone Favaro.
Treviso will also have plenty of ammunition on the bench with Paul Derbyshire, Kris Burton, Valerio Bernaḅ and Tobias Botes all capable of making an impact later in the match.
Form: Zebre are still seeking a maiden victory in any competition, and have gained just four bonus points so far in the RaboDirect PRO12. Treviso came within three minutes of gaining a notable victory over Leicester Tigers in the European Cup at Stadio Monigo last weekend, eventually losing out by the closest of margins, 13-14. Treviso's only win on the road this season was 27-22 at Edinburgh in round six. This is a first ever meeting between the two teams.
The teams:
Zebre: 15 Sinoti Sinoti, 14 Giovanbattista Venditti, 13 Matteo Pratichetti, 12 Paolo Buso, 11 Leonardo Sarto, 10 Luciano Orquera, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Andries Van Schalkwyk, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Nicola Cattina (capt), 5 Josh Sole, 4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Carlo Fazzari, 2 Carlo Festuccia, 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements: 16 Andrea Mancini, 17 Matias Aguero, 18 Luca Redolfini, 19 Michael van Vuuren, 20 Filippo Ferrarini, 21 Alberto Chillon, 22 Samuele Pace, 23 Ruggero Trevisan.
Treviso 15 Luke McLean, 14 Ludovico Nitoglia, 13 Christian Loamanu, 12 Alberto Sgarbi, 11 Tommaso Iannone, 10 Alberto Di Bernardo, 9 Edoardo Gori, 8 Dean Budd, 7 Alessandro Zanni, 6 Simone Favaro, 5 Corniel Van Zyl, 4 Francesco Minto, 3 Lorenzo Cittadini, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini (c), 1 Michele Rizzo.
Replacements: 16 Franco Sbaraglini, 17 Matteo Muccignat, 18 Jacobus Roux, 19 Marco Fuser, 20 Valerio Bernaḅ, 21 Paul Derbyshire, 22 Tobias Botes, 23 Kristopher Burton.
Date: Saturday, December 22
Kick-off: 15:00 local (14:00 GMT)
Venue: Stadio XXV Aprile
Referee: Laurent Cardona
Assistant Referees: Giuseppe Vivarini, Stefano Roscini
TMO: Mauro Dordolo
Comments
carpelone says...
Where is Benvenuti? I am keen to follow his development as a potential international star. He just don't get it on defense, even though it could be because he is tall. Any lessons about tackling from Jacque Fourie?
I suppose that Barbieri and Vosawai are injured too.
Dean Budd is a liability (penalty machine).
I am keen to see if Orquera keeps on his good November form. Let's hope for a good game and may the best team win.
Posted 11:41 22nd December 2012
Lucasrg says...
quite a strong team for the Treviso's side. They must aim for a bonus point.
Posted 19:08 21st December 2012