Castro returns to Azzurri fold
Italy coach Jacques Brunel has recalled prop Martin Castrogiovanni, one of four changes to his squad for the remaining Six Nations games against Wales and Scotland.
Castrogiovanni returns despite still recovering from the cracked rib he suffered in the 19-15 defeat by England.
Second row forward Antonio Pavanello, injured in Saturday’s 42-10 loss to Ireland, is replaced by South African-born Carlo Del Fava.
With flank Mauro Bergamasco suspended, Brunel has called up Manoa Vosawai, while Bergamasco’s brother, Mirco, returns for the first time since his shoulder injury at last year’s World Cup.
Mauro Bergamasco was last week banned for a month after being cited for dangerous play during the Pro 12 clash with Ospreys on February 17.
Brunel will announce his team to play Wales on March 7, three days before the visit to Cardiff.
Italy conclude their Six Nations campaign against Scotland in Rome on March 17.
Italy squad:
Forwards: Fabio Staibano, Lorenzo Cittadini, Andrea Lo Cicero, Michele Rizzo, Martin Castrogiovanni, Tommaso D’Apice, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Quintin Geldenhuys, Cornelius van Zyl, Marco Bortolami, Carlo Del Fava, Robert Julian Barbieri, Manoa Vosawai, Francesco Minto, Simone Favaro, Sergio Parisse (captain), Alessandro Zanni.
Backs: Fabio Semenzato, Edoardo Gori, Kristopher Burton, Tobias Botes, Tommaso Benvenuti, Gonzalo Canale, Luca Morisi, Alberto Sgarbi, Giulio Toniolatti, Mirco Bergamasco, Roberto Quartaroli, Giovanbattista Venditti, Andrea Masi, Luke McLean.
AFP
