Guidi names experienced team

Italy A coach Gianluca Guidi has revealed the team that will face Canada in the Churchill Cup opener on Saturday at Franklin's Gardens.

The Azzurri, who are making their debut in the competition this weekend, will clash with the North Americans under the watchful eye of Italy head coach Nick Mallett, who will attend the game ahead of finalising his World Cup squad later this month.

Speaking of his selection, Guidi said: "We will line up with some very experienced internationals such as Marco Bortolami, Mauro Bergamasco and team captain Valerio Bernabò, shoulder to shoulder with emerging guys such as hooker Tommaso D'Apice and centre Denis Majstorovic. All of them played very well in the Italian Championship this season and deserve their selection".

However, Guidi revealed he is expecting a tough challenge from the Canadians.

He explained: "It will be a tough game, no doubt. Canada reached the Churchill Cup final in 2010, beating France in the pool phase, and the Canadians will be committed to perform at their best ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

"It is a privilege for us to compete in the Churchill Cup for the first time and we've picked an interesting squad, with some new guys emerging from the Union youth system. We're working closely with Nick Mallett and his staff and we hope to give him indications for the World Cup," he added.

Italy A: 15 Ruggero Trevisan, 14 Andrea Bacchetti, 13 Denis Majstorovic, 12 Matteo Pratichetti, 11 Michele Sepe, 10 Riccardo Bocchino, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Manoa Vosawai, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Valerio Bernabo' (captain), 5 Marco Bortolami, 4 Corniel Van Zyl, 3 Fabio Staibano, 2 Tommaso D'apice, 1 Alberto De Marchi.
Replacements: 16 Andrea Manici, 17 Matias Aguero, 18 Dario Chistolini, 19 Joshua Furno, 20 Francesco Minto, 21 Giulio Toniolatti, 25 Durandt Gerber.

Date: Saturday, June 4
Venue: Franklin's Gardens, Northampton
Kick-off: 14.30 (13.30 GMT)
Referee:  Dave Pearson  (England)