For his first match of the summer, against Samoa, Gonzalo Quesada has retained a familiar team. Former international with the England youth team, Matt Gallagher will however make his big debut at the back.
For the first of his three summer matches, Gonzalo Quesada played a classic game. This Friday (6am, French time), Italy travels to Samoa, before challenging Tonga and Japan afterwards. The Argentinian manager remains in the good vein of his last Six Nations Tournament.
It must be said that the Azzurri finished very strongly last spring with a draw and two wins. The executives of this team are again called up for this summer tour.
Injured, Michele Lamaro returns and regains his captain’s armband. He will be surrounded by Alessandro Izekor, his former replacement, and Ross Vincent. Toulon’s Paolo Garbisi is a starter in the hinge, as is Lyon’s Monty Ioane on the wing. Finally, Tommaso Menoncello, voted best young player of the Tournament, starts in the center.
The big news is at the back. Matt Gallagher, a former U20 international with England, will make his debut with Italy, at the age of 27.
The XV of Italy: Gallagher – Lynagh, Brex, Menoncello, Ionae – Garbisi (o), Varney (m), Lamaro (c), Vincent, Izekor – Ruzza, N. Cannone – Ferrari, Lucchesi, Fischetti.
