Today, Sunday 12 May at 5.00 pm at the historic Mario Battaglini Stadium, the 179th Italian Derby among the Bersaglieri of the Femi-CZ Rugby Rovigo and Petrarca Rugby. This is the third and final round of the playoffs which will define the second finalist who will take to the pitch at the Lanfranchi Stadium on June 2nd in Parma to win the Title of Absolute Men’s Italian Champion 2023/24opponent Rugby Viadana, first finalist comeback winner yesterday against Valorugby.
Adige Cup
At stake is not only the pass to the final on June 2nd but also theAdige Cup, a trophy for two friendly but historically rival clubs which takes its name from the river that divides the two provinces of Padua and Rovigo. Established in 2013, it was awarded for the last time (the 36th) on the occasion of the 16th round (24 March), a match played against Rovigo.
The international referee from Brescia will direct the match Andrea Piardi, assisted by Franco Rosella (Rome) and Alex Frasson (Treviso). TMO Claudio Blessano (Treviso). Challenge broadcast live on TV RAI Sport And DAZN.
Leading the two teams Matteo Ferro who will take the field with the red-blue shirt for the 200th time and Andrea Trotta.
Elite men’s Serie A – play off 2023/24
Group 1
Matchday 1: Rugby Viadana – Rugby Colorno 1975, 33-10 (Rest Valorugby Emilia)
II Matchday: Valorugby Emilia – Rugby Colorno 1975, 22-17 (Riposa Rugby Viadana)
III Matchday: Rugby Viadana – Valorugby Emilia, 18-16 (Riposa Rugby Colorno 1975)
Ranking: Rugby Viadana 9; Valorugby Emilia 5; Rugby Colorno 1975 1
Group 2
Matchday 1: Femi-CZ R. Rovigo – Mogliano Veneto Rugby, 29-12 (Rugby Petrarca rests)
II Matchday: Rugby Petrarca – Mogliano Veneto Rugby, 31-21 (Rest Femi-CZ R. Rovigo)
Ranking: Rugby Petrarca 5; Femi-CZ R. Rovigo 4; Mogliano Veneto Rugby 0
Third day, 12/05/24 – 5.00 pm
Rovigo, Battaglini Stadium
Femi-CZ R. Rovigo – Rugby Petrarca, referee Andrea Piardi (Brescia)
Gdl Franco Rosella (Rome) and Alex Frasson (Treviso)
TMO Claudio Blessano (Treviso)
Live RAI Sport / DAZN simulcast
Femi-CZ R. Rovigo – Rugby Petrarca, the latest from the headquarters
Femi-CZ Rugby Rovigo: Sperandio; Vaccari, Diederich Ferrario, Uncini, Sarto; Dogliani, Chillon; Casado Sandri, Sironi, Meggiato, Ferro (ch.), Steolo; Swanepoel, Giulian, Leccioli.
Available: Cadorini, Quaglio, Lastra Masotti, Zottola, Lubian, Cosi, Bazan Vélez, Lertora.
Head Coach Alessandro Lodi
Davide Giazzon’s comment, coaches ahead: “This Derby will be unique. We, staff and players, want to be one. We will have to give that little something extra to exceed our standards and to aspire to something special. I like to think big and I hope that the boys play without fear, having fun and without setting limits because when they do it is a pleasure to see them on the pitch.”
Rugby Petrarca: Lyle; Scagnolari, De Masi, Broggin, Bellini; Fernandez, Tebaldi; Trotta (cap.), Nostran, Casolari; Ghigo, Galetto; Hughes, Luus, Borean.
Available: Brugnara, Montilla T., Bizzotto, Michieletto, Romanini, Vunisa, Citton, De Sanctis.
Head Coach Andrea Marcato
Marcato’s comment: “We can’t wait to get on the pitch. We know the importance of this match well, and we are delighted to play once again at the Battaglini, where in the last derby there was a wonderful crowd. The image of this match is like that of climbers who are tackling a mountain. Rough road but we are well equipped and well trained. We have the experience to get to the top. We are aware that we are not favourites, but we have to play openly. The best Italian whistle will referee us. He knows us, he already directed the last derby, we will have to adapt to his standards. It will be a match decided by discipline. An inside or outside match. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes will win the game. We trained well, we are calm, the climate is excellent. He will serve the best Petrarca of the season, the one who takes advantage of every mistake of the opponents.”
