Azzurri Unveil Powerhouse 39-Player Roster for Thrilling Summer Tour

Italy’s national rugby union team, the Azzurri, have unveiled a robust 39-player preliminary squad for their upcoming summer tour, blending experienced stars with promising young talents. Under the guidance of head coach Gonzalo Quesada, the team will gear up for a challenging schedule, facing off against Samoa, Tonga, and Japan in a series of test matches starting in late June.

byQuorra Ashenfall

June 7, 2024

CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 16: Martin Page-Relo celebrates victory with teammate Paolo Garbisi of Italy after defeating Wales during the Guinness Six Nations 2024 match between Wales and Italy at the Principality Stadium on March 16, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Federugby via Getty Images)

Azzurri Reveal Potent 39-Player Squad for Upcoming Summer Tour

Italy’s national rugby union team, under the guidance of head coach Gonzalo Quesada, has announced a 39-player preliminary squad for a pre-tour training camp in L’Aquila from June 19 to 22. This will be the Azzurri’s first overseas tour since 2018, as they gear up for a challenging summer schedule.

Out of the 39 players listed, 33 will attend the camp in L’Aquila, which marks the squad’s return to the city since 2015. An open training session for the public has been scheduled for June 21, allowing fans to catch a glimpse of the team’s preparations.

The squad includes eight debutants, with five receiving their first-ever call-up:

Zebre Parma prop Muhamed Hasa
Hookers Giampietro Ribaldi and Loris Zarantonello from Zebre Parma and Castres respectively
Oyonnax flanker David Odiase
Bath full-back Matt Gallagher, who previously played for Saracens and Munster

Gallagher is set to join URC side Benetton next season, while Giulio Marini, previously unavailable due to injury, has also been included in the squad. The team will also welcome back François Mey, Giovanni Montemauri, and Jacopo Trulla, the latter rejoining after a two-year hiatus.

“We have chosen a quality, strong and very balanced squad for this Summer Tour,” said Quesada. “We know the value of our opponents, especially when they play at home: they won’t be easy games.”

The squad’s selection reflects the desire to blend experienced players with promising young talents, as the Azzurri look to build on their recent progress. The team will depart for Auckland on June 22 and go on to face Samoa, Tonga, and Japan in a series of test matches in July.

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