Share

Shock as Italy omit veteran Parisse for Six Nations

Milan - Italy legend Sergio Parisse was not named in the 35-man squad unveiled on Monday for the Six Nations tournament with Alberto Sgarbi recalled after six years and three newcomers included.

Register your interest for the British & Irish Lions tickets in South Africa 2021

Parisse, 36, had planned to retire after the Rugby World Cup but was denied a farewell appearance when Italy's final pool match against New Zealand was cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis.

Despite his omission the talismanic No. 8 with an Italian record of 142 caps is still expected for a farewell match in the Six Nations against either Scotland (February 22) or England (March 14) in the Stadio Olimpico.

"I will face Scotland, England or both, but I will certainly not play the entire Six Nations," Parisse said.

New Italy coach Franco Smith has recalled 33-year-old Benetton centre Sgarbi, who has not played since June 2014, in a team largely made up of players from Italian Pro14 sides Zebre and Benetton Treviso.

Smith has included Zebre prop Danilo Fischetti, who was called up for the World Cup but did not play because of the Typhoon, along with Benetton lock Niccolo Cannone and Zebre full-back Michelangelo Biondelli.

"We have a mixed of experienced players and youngsters who want to establish themselves on the international stage," said Smith, who was appointed interim coach after Irishman Conor O'Shea resigned last November after the World Cup.

"Everyone's contributions will be crucial from the start to prepare the opening game of a Championship which gets more competitive and compelling all the time."

Italy open their Six Nations campaign against champions Wales on February 1 in Cardiff.

The last Italian victory in the tournament was against Scotland in Edinburgh in February 2015, while at home the Azzurri have not won since March 2013, when they beat Ireland in Rome.

The Italy squad will meet in Rome for a training camp between January 19 and 26.

Squad

Forwards (19)

Pietro Ceccarelli (Edinburgh/SCO), Danilo Fischetti (Zebre), Andrea Lovotti (Zebre), Marco Riccioni (Benetton), Giosue Zilocchi (Zebre), Luca Bigi (Zebre), Oliviero Fabiani (Zebre), Federico Zani (Benetton), Dean Budd (Benetton), Niccolo Cannone (Argos Petrarca Rugby/Benetton), Federico Ruzza (Benetton), David Sisi (Zebre), Alessandro Zanni (Benetton), Marco Lazzaroni (Benetton), Giovanni Licata (Zebre), Johan Meyer (Zebre), Sebastian Negri (Benetton), Jake Polledri (Gloucester/ENG), Abraham Steyn (Benetton)

Backs (16)

Callum Braley (Gloucester/ENG), Guglielmo Palazzani (Zebre), Marcello Violi (Zebre), Tommaso Allan (Benetton), Carlo Canna (Zebre), Giulio Bisegni (Zebre), Tommaso Boni (Zebre), Luca Morisi (Benetton), Alberto Sgarbi (Benetton), Mattia Bellini (Zebre), Tommaso Benvenuti (Benetton), Michelangelo Biondelli (Fiamme Oro Rugby/Zebre), Jayden Hayward (Benetton), Matteo Minozzi (Wasps/ENG), Edoardo Padovani (Zebre), Leonardo Sarto (Benetton)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE