Parisse Returns to Captain Italy in 6 Nations

The inspirational Sergio Parisse is back to captain Italy in the 6 Nations. The No 8 from La Plata, Argentina famously captained Italy to an historic triumph over South Africa in November. That saw him adding to previous scalps as Italian captain including France, Ireland and Scotland.

Parisse was absent from Italy’s most recent match, a 19-17 defeat against Tonga. He will be back to lead the Italians against Wales in the opening round of the Six Nations on February 05.

Not selected is Leandro Cedaro. Another player from Argentina, the second-rower has been a regular for La Rochelle for a number of years. This leaves Parisse as one of just 3 French-based players. 1 player selected plays in England and another in Scotland. 27 play in Italy.

ITALY
Prop: Pietro Ceccarelli (Zebre), Dario Chistolini (Zebre), Lorenzo Cittadini (Bayonne, FRA), Andrea Lovotti (Zebre), Sami Panico (Patarò)

Hooker: Tommaso D’Apice (Zebre), Ornel Gega (Treviso), Leonardo Ghiraldini (Toulouse, FRA)

Second-row: George Fabio Biagi (Zebre), Joshua Furno (Zebre), Marco Fuser (Treviso), Federico Ruzza (Zebre), Andries Van Schalkwyk (Zebre)

Back-row: Marco Barbini (Treviso), Simone Favaro (Glasgow, SCO), Maxime Mata Mbanda (Zebre), Francesco Minto (Treviso), Sergio Parisse (Stade Français, FRA), Abraham Steyn (Treviso).

Scrum-half: Giorgio Bronzini (Treviso), Edoardo Gori (Treviso), Marcello Violi (Zebre)

Fly Half: Tommaso Allan (Treviso), Carlo Canna (Zebre)

Center: Tommaso Benvenuti (Treviso), Tommaso Boni (Zebre), Michele Campagnaro (Exeter, ENG), Luke McLean (Treviso)

Wing: Giulio Bisegni (Zebre), Angelo Esposito (Treviso), Giovambattista Venditti (Zebre)

Full Back: Edoardo Padovani (Zebre)