Roberto Santamaria’s first choices in view of the “dress rehearsal” before leaving for South Africa
The Italy under 20 team that challenges Spain in San Benedetto del Tronto – Ph. Federugby via Getty Images
Preparation for the under 20 World Cup also includes a friendly test against Spain, which Italy will face on Saturday 15 June at 6pm in San Benedetto del Tronto. The Azzurrini, led by the new head coach Roberto Santamaria together with assistants Andrea Marcato and Francesco Lodi, will challenge the Iberians in a match that will serve to give important indications in view of the world debut against Ireland, scheduled for 29 June.
Read also: Italy’s squad for the summer tour against Samoa, Tonga and Japan
“Definitely a delicate match for various reasons, the boys are still in the athletic training phase and this will have its weight in the match against the Spaniards: they are a fast, physical and aggressive team” said Roberto Santamaria, who will then also have to choose the 30 who will go to the World Cup.
In fact, as confirmed by the coach, the one against Spain (which for the first time will play in the “Serie A” of the under-20 World Cup, which has always been divided into two divisions) is a real dress rehearsal: “We will try all the settings that we will also use it in South Africa, in the organization of the whole day, in logistics, in managing the match between us staff and between staff and players. In short, a real test, also to honor both the hospitality that San Benedetto del Tronto is reserving for us in these days, and the public who will come to see us at the stadium.”
Santamaria chooses Imberti as fullback with Luca Belloni and Scalabrin on the wings. The centers and midfield are those of the under 20 Six Nations, with Bozzo-Zanandrea forming the 12-13 hinge and Casilio-Pucciariello in the control room. Up front, in the front line, the props will be Ascari and Gentile (Gallorini is still injured) with Siciliano as hooker. In the second line Midena and Redondi, while in the third Bellucci and Zucconi support captain Botturi.
However, everyone else will be present on the bench. In fact, the two federations have agreed to play without limits on exchanges. Simone Brisighella is also back available, protagonist of the Italy under 20 team in 2023 but forced to miss the last Six Nations due to injury.
The match will be broadcast live on the Federation’s official channels and also on OnRugby, while tickets are still on sale on Ticketone to follow the match live at the “Nelson Mandela” stadium in San Benedetto del Tronto.
Italy under 20: the lineup for the test against Spain
ITALY U20: Imberti; Scalabrin, Zanandrea, Bozzo, Belloni L.; Pucciariello, Casilio; Botturi, Bellucci, Zucconi; Redondi, Midena; Ascari, Sicilian, Gentile.
Available: Padoan, Pisani, Bolognini, Gasperini, Milano, Jimenez, Sari, De Villiers, Bettini, Casartelli, Belloni M., Brisighella, Mirenzi, Fusari, Bini.
Head Coach: Roberto Santamaria
Assistants: Andrea Marcato and Alessandro Lodi
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