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Ones to Watch: Italy

Inpho
Despite Italy losing all of their Championship matches in the men’s and Under-20s’ tournaments, there were some outstanding young performers in both sides.

Despite Italy losing all of their Championship matches in the men’s and Under-20s’ tournaments, there were some outstanding young performers in both sides.

The Under-20s side came close to upsetting the Irish and English only to fall short in the second periods of games.

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Here we take a look at some of the brightest Italian talents who could start in their summer tour Down Under after standout performances in the 2017 Championship.

LUCA SPERANDIO

The Benetton Treviso winger made his international debut in the 2017 Championship when Conor O’Shea selected him to start in Round Four’s defeat to France.

Sperandio, who has been a consistent performer for his club side Treviso this season, earned the call up to pull on the Italian jersey.

The 21-year-old’s electrifying pace and potent finishing has seen hmi score 13 tries in all for his club side and, if his form is to continue, he won’t have to wait long before he scores his first for his country.

“For me it’s been an important year, I didn’t expect to get as much game time and above all to make my debut for the national team,” said Sperandio.

“The call-up from Conor O’Shea was really unexpected. I was really taken aback because in the days leading up to it I’d had no warning. I was able to make my debut at the Olimpico against France (in Round Four) in front of my family and friends.

“There was a lot of emotion, since I was a child I’ve dreamed of wearing the Italy jersey.

“This year I’ve been completely dedicated to growing as an athlete and in that regard the support of my teammates has been fundamental.”

MARCO RICCIONI

Italy Under-20s skipper Marco Riccioni has impressed in his side’s 2017 campaign and the powerful tighthead will only get better with more big game experience.

With legendary prop Martin Castrogiovanni having hung up his boots and current tighthead Lorenzo Cittadini reaching the age of 34 last year, Riccioni could be the answer to Italy’s front row conundrum.

And, at just 19, the powerful carrier and inspirational leader could be just what O’Shea is looking for. Riccioni currently plies his trade at Italian side Calvisano but as he has shown increasing promise, many believe it is only a matter of time before he gets picked up by Treviso or Zebre.

O’Shea may wish to take a chance on the young prop during their summer tour Down Under in which Riccioni will have to prove his mettle.

FEDERICO RUZZA

Zebre second-row Federico Ruzza was a surprise inclusion in O’Shea’s squad for the 2017 Championship but the uncapped forward clearly impressed the Irishman in training.

Ruzza made his international debut when he replaced George Biagi five minutes from time at BT Murrayfield and the 22-year-old is set to improve if he tours with O’Shea’s men in the summer.

And the promising Italian forward was thrilled by the reception he got when he joined up with the Italy squad while he acclimatises to the demands of international rugby.

“Since my first inclusion, I realised that it was a beautiful experience,” said Ruzza.

“The squad has welcomed me well – there are many young players which perhaps made things a bit easier. It was an important moment in my rugby education.

“We have many players in our team who play in the Pro12 where the games are played at the highest level.

“The difficulty is trying to further increase the pace in the little time and few games that you have available. The challenge is trying to immediately lift the individual pace.

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