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Cittadini’s leadership is invaluable says O’Shea

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Italy head coach Conor O’Shea claims the leadership of Lorenzo Cittadini is invaluable to the squad as the prop gears up to win his 50th Azzurri cap in Sunday’s Test against Canada in Toronto.

Italy head coach Conor O’Shea claims the leadership of Lorenzo Cittadini is invaluable to the squad as the prop gears up to win his 50th Azzurri cap in Sunday’s Test against Canada in Toronto.

O’Shea has made five changes, as well as a positional switch, from the XV that started Italy’s 24-20 victory over the United States last weekend.

There are four changes in the back-line with David Odiete moving from the left wing to take over from Luke McLean at full-back and Giovanbattista Venditti coming in to wear the number 11 jersey.

Angelo Esposito replaces Leonardo Sarto on the right wing with Tommaso Boni preferred to Tommaso Castello at inside centre and Tommaso Allan taking over from Carlo Canna at fly-half.

The only change in the pack sees Maxime Mbanda replace Robert Barbieri on the blindside flank.

And O’Shea admits that one of the most enjoyable aspects of his tenure so far has been meeting Cittadini.

“In the short time I spent with the group it has been a pleasure to know Cittadini,” said O’Shea.

“During this tour he was outstanding and more generally he was incredible in every phase of the game.

“His presence has helped a lot in the management of a group of the group and the way all the players look up to him is a true recognition of the man as an athlete.”

Italy beat Canada 23-18 in the Rugby World Cup in England last autumn with Michele Rizzo and Gonzalo Garcia both scoring tries.