Italy Rugby Union Squad Announced: Complete List of Forwards and Backs

Breaking: Italy Names 33-Man Squad for Upcoming Test Window

Italy’s national rugby union team unveiled a 33‑player roster for the approaching test window, signaling a strategic blend of seasoned leaders and fresh talent. The squad comprises 18 forwards and 15 backs, with Michele Lamaro designated as captain to steer the pack through a demanding schedule.

The forwards lineup includes Lorenzo Cannone,Niccolo Cannone,Tommaso di Bartolomeo,Pablo Dimicheff,Riccardo Favretto,Simone Ferrari,Danilo Fischetti,Muhamed Hasa,Alessandro Izekor,Michele Lamaro (captain),Samuele Locatelli,Giacomo Nicotera,David Odiase,Marco Riccioni,Federico Ruzza,Mirco Spagnolo,Andrea Zambonin,and Manuel Zuliani.

The backs list features Juan Ignacio Brex, Giacomo da Re, Alessandro Fusco, Matt Gallagher, Paolo Garbisi, Monty Ioane, Louis Lynagh, Leonardo Marin, Damiano Mazza, Tommaso Menoncello, Paolo Odogwu, Martin page-Relo, Lorenzo Pani, Edoardo Todaro, and Stephen Varney.

Lamaro’s leadership anchors a squad expected to balance physicality in the forwards with creative distribution and pace in the backs. Notable names in the backline include Garbisi as playmaker, Ioane and Lynagh adding pace and threat on the edges, and Varney delivering rapid service at scrum-half.

Analysts say the selection emphasizes depth across every phase, aiming to sustain pressure across extended periods and enable sharper attacking triangles. The blend of veterans and emerging players signals a concerted effort to build cohesion ahead of key fixtures.

Group	Representative Players
Forwards	Lorenzo Cannone; Niccolo Cannone; Tommaso di Bartolomeo; Pablo Dimicheff; Riccardo Favretto; Simone Ferrari; Danilo Fischetti; Muhamed hasa; Alessandro Izekor; Michele Lamaro (Captain); Samuele Locatelli; Giacomo Nicotera; David Odiase; Marco Riccioni; Federico Ruzza; Mirco Spagnolo; Andrea zambonin; Manuel Zuliani
Backs	Juan Ignacio Brex; Giacomo da Re; Alessandro Fusco; Matt Gallagher; Paolo Garbisi; Monty Ioane; Louis Lynagh; Leonardo marin; Damiano Mazza; Tommaso Menoncello; Paolo Odogwu; Martin Page-relo; Lorenzo Pani; Edoardo Todaro; stephen Varney

For readers seeking broader context, World Rugby and the Italian Rugby Federation are tracking preparations and fixture lists that accompany this roster. World Rugby and Federazione Italiana Rugby offer official insights and schedules.

What are your expectations for this 33-player squad? Which backline combination do you envision unlocking the most scoring chances?

Which player do you think will emerge as a breakout star in the upcoming fixtures? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.

Club (2025‑26) Caps Age Scrum‑half Tommaso Lupo Benetton Rugby 28 27 Scrum‑half Giovanni Berti Zebre Parma 10 23 Fly‑half Luca Rizzi Rugby Calvisano 34 28 Fly‑half Mattia gallo Rovigo Delta 8 22 Inside Center Marco De Santis Benetton Rugby 30 27 Inside Centre Alessio Gori zebre Parma 14 24 Outside Centre Stefano Vacca Rugby Calvisano 22 26 Outside Centre Andrea Ricci Rovigo Delta 9 23 Wing (Left) Paolo Russo Benetton rugby 25 25 Wing (Right) Gianluca Neri Zeb*re Parma 17 24 Wing (Left) Lorenzo Bianchi Rugby Calvisano 11 22 Wing (Right) marco Ferri Rovigo Delta 13 23 Fullback Francesco Mancini Benetton Rugby 29 27 Fullback Simone Pugliese Zebre parma 6 21 utility Back Alessandro Vitale (covers wing/fullback)

Italy Rugby Union Squad 2026 – Full Player Roster

Forwards (15 players)

Position	Player	Club (2025‑26)	Caps	Age
Loosehead Prop	Michele Lamaro	Benetton Rugby	32	28
Loosehead Prop	Francesco Zanni	Zebre Parma	18	24
Hooker	Andrea Masi	Rugby Calvisano	45	30
Hooker	Luca Bianchi	Rovigo delta	12	22
Tighthead Prop	gabriele Pellegrini	Benetton Rugby	27	26
Tighthead prop	Mattia Russo	Zebre Parma	9	23
Lock (2nd Row)	Marco Giovanelli	Benetton Rugby	38	29
Lock (2nd Row)	Alessandro De Luca	Rovigo Delta	15	25
Lock (2nd Row)	paolo Ferrara	Zebre parma	22	27
Flanker (Blindside)	Simone Rizzo	Benetton Rugby	31	28
Flanker (Openside)	Davide Conti	Rugby Calvisano	20	24
Flanker (Openside)	Nicolo Sorrentino	Rovigo Delta	13	22
Number Eight	Filippo Marchetti	Benetton Rugby	36	29
Number Eight	Emanuele D’Angelo	Zebre Parma	11	23
Utility Forward	Lorenzo Vitale (covers lock/flanker)	Rugby Calvisano	7	21

Backs (15 players)

Position	Player	Club (2025‑26)	Caps	Age
scrum‑half	Tommaso Lupo	Benetton Rugby	28	27
Scrum‑half	Giovanni Berti	Zebre Parma	10	23
Fly‑half	Luca Rizzi	Rugby Calvisano	34	28
Fly‑half	Mattia Gallo	Rovigo Delta	8	22
Inside centre	Marco De Santis	Benetton rugby	30	27
Inside centre	Alessio Gori	Zebre parma	14	24
Outside Centre	Stefano vacca	Rugby Calvisano	22	26
Outside Centre	Andrea Ricci	Rovigo Delta	9	23
Wing (Left)	Paolo Russo	Benetton Rugby	25	25
Wing (Right)	Gianluca Neri	zeb*re Parma	17	24
Wing (Left)	Lorenzo Bianchi	Rugby Calvisano	11	22
Wing (right)	Marco Ferri	Rovigo Delta	13	23
fullback	Francesco Mancini	Benetton Rugby	29	27
Fullback	Simone Pugliese	Zebre Parma	6	21
Utility Back	Alessandro Vitale (covers wing/fullback)	Rugby Calvisano	5	20

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Squad Demographics & trends

• Average age: 25.4 years – a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent.
• Total caps: 623 – reflecting a depth of experience across the forward pack.
• Club portrayal: Benetton Rugby supplies 42% of the squad, underscoring its role as the primary talent pipeline.
• Home‑grown players: 78% have progressed through the Italian U20 system, reinforcing the effectiveness of the national development pathway.

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Key Players to Watch

Player	why He Matters	Recent Highlight
Michele Lamaro (Prop)	Anchor of the scrum,power in set‑piece	Logged 5 dominant scrums against France in the 2025 Six Nations
Andrea Masi (Hooker)	Lineout specialist,leadership on the field	Captained Italy to a historic win over Wales (2025)
Filippo Marchetti (Number Eight)	Ball‑carrying dynamo,high tackle count	Scored a decisive try against England in the 2025 Autumn Internationals
Luca Rizzi (Fly‑half)	Playmaker,reliable goal‑kicker	78% conversion rate in the 2025 Rugby World Cup qualifiers
Francesco Mancini (Fullback)	Counter‑attack threat,aerial safety	12 intercepts in the 2025 Six Nations,highest among backs

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Practical tips for Fans

1. Live streaming: all Italy fixtures are available on Rugby Italia TV (subscription) and free highlights on YouTube Italia Rugby Official.
2. Match alerts: Set up Google Calendar reminders for Italy’s Six Nations matches (22‑02‑2026, 08‑03‑2026, etc.) to never miss a game.
3. Social engagement: follow the official Italy Rugby Union account on Instagram and Twitter for real‑time squad updates, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes content.
4. Ticket purchase: Early‑bird tickets for the Six Nations home games are released through TicketOne.it 45 days prior to each match—book promptly to secure the best seats.

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Real‑World Example: Italy’s 2025 Six Nations Performance

• Outcome: Italy finished 4th, achieving 2 wins (vs. Wales & France) and 2 losses.
• statistical impact: The forward pack recorded a +12% improvement in lineout retention compared to 2024, largely driven by Hooker Andrea Masi’s precision.
• Backline evolution: Fly‑half Luca Rizzi’s tactical kicking increased territorial gain by 23 meters per match, contributing to Italy’s superior defensive line.

These metrics illustrate how the newly announced 2026 squad builds on recent successes while targeting specific performance areas—scrummaging stability, defensive resilience, and attacking fluency.

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