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COFFEE DATE: NICCOLÒ CANNONE

cannone coffee
Discover the tastes and passions of the Azzurri lock who's now a regular in the Italian team.

What's your coffee of choice? Normal, classic Italian: bitter without sugar.

What are you watching on TV at the moment? I don't watch a lot of TV, but right now I'm hooked on a series about American football called Ballers.

Who would you like to write a book about your life? Roberto Benigni. I'm very passionate about his work and he is a great mind.

What song could become the soundtrack of your career? Per averti by Adriano Celentano. I like it a lot, and listen to it a lot.

Who is your best friend in rugby? My brother and Gianmarco Lucchesi.

Are you a fan of video games? Yes, although I haven't played them for a while. At the end of training or when I've got a bit of free time, I don't mind playing, especially shoot-'em-ups.

Where do you call home? Tuscany, Chianti and Lastra a Signa.

How would you describe your hometown to someone who has never been there? Humble. A small town, not well known but with very beautiful places.

What is your ideal destination for a holiday? Castiglioncello. I really love being in my local area.

If you could go back in time to any historical period, when would it be? To the Renaissance in Florence.

If I wanted to be remembered for any one thing, what would it be? The Florentine athlete who, together with his brother, was part of the strongest Italy team in history.

What is the hardest thing about being a professional rugby player? Having to give up several things in normal life.

And what is the best aspect of your job? The satisfaction you can get on a personal and team level.

Which teammate would be ideal for a backpacking trip? Gianmarco Lucchesi. We are very similar and like the same things, so we don't fight too much.

Italy v Scotland at the Stadio Olimpico kicks off on Saturday 9th March (14:15 GMT, live on ITV).