Italy has made two changes to their starting XV for their Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Namibia in Saint-Etienne on Saturday. English-born lock Dino Lamb and prop Danilo Fischetti have been brought into the lineup, replacing Niccolo Cannone and Ivan Nemer, respectively.
Coach Kieran Crowley has retained most of the squad that secured a final warm-up victory over Japan last month. Paolo Garbisi will continue at flyhalf, Tommaso Allan as the fullback, and Ange Capuozzo on the wing.
Montanna Ioane, who scored a hat-trick of tries in their win against Japan, retains his place in the starting lineup, while loose forward Michele Lamaro will captain the side.
Five players in the squad faced Namibia at the 2019 World Cup, where Italy emerged victorious with a score of 47-22 in the first game of the tournament.
Coach Kieran Crowley emphasized the importance of their performance and precision, regardless of the opposition’s playing style. Italy is focused on controlling possession and maintaining composure under pressure.
Italy will also compete against France, New Zealand, and Uruguay in Pool A.
The Italy starting lineup against Namibia:
Tommaso Allan (Fullback)
Ange Capuozzo (Wing)
Juan Ignacio Brex (Center)
Luca Morisi (Center)
Montanna Ioane (Wing)
Paolo Garbisi (Flyhalf)
Stephen Varney (Scrum-half)
Lorenzo Cannone (Number Eight)
Michele Lamaro (Captain, Flanker)
Sebastian Negri (Flanker)
Federico Ruzza (Lock)
Dino Lamb (Lock)
Simone Ferrari (Prop)
Giacomo Nicotera (Hooker)
Danilo Fischetti (Prop)
Replacements:
Hame Faiva
Ivan Nemer
Marco Riccioni
David Sisi
Manuel Zuliani
Martin Page-Relo
Paolo Odogwu
Pierre Bruno
