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Italy name squad

langpark

First Grade
Messages
5,867
Hull Kingston Rovers pair, playmaker Terry Campese and goal kicker Josh Mantellato, head the names in the Italy squad for their pool A games against Serbia and Wales in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup European qualifiers, that begin next weekend.


Cameron Ciraldo’s selection includes players who ply their trade in five countries – Italy, France, England, Australia and Wales – as the Azzurri aim to take their place in a second successive World Cup.


“I cannot wait to start working with the boys,” he said. “The team is very competitive and there are some very talented individuals. I am well aware that it will not be easy but the objective is clear, to qualify for the World Cup.


“We have much to do and little time to work, so everyone will have to give their best. I am confident in what we can achieve out on the field together and as a group with a clear-headed aim. We also get the chance to spread this wonderful sport to a new, eager city in Monza and we want to show everyone our very best.”


ITALY 22-MAN SQUAD

Dean Parata (Blacktown), Patrik Ziliotti (Brianza Tigers), Joel Reithmuller (Cairns Brothers), Joe Tramontana (Canterbury Bulldogs), Jayden Walker (Cronulla Sharks), Terry Campese, Josh Mantellato (Hull KR), Christophe Calegari (Lezignan Corbieres), Guiseppe Pagani (Lions Brescia), Gavin Hiscox (Mackay Cutters), Gioele Celerino (Newcastle Thunder), Kieran Quabba (North Queensland Cowboys), Ryan Ghietti, Col Wilkie, Justin Castellaro (Northern Pride), Richard Lepori (Oldham Roughyeds), Shannon Wakeman (St George-Illawarra), Chris Vitalani (South Wales Ironmen), Brenden Santi (Townsville Blackhawks), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Chris Centrone (Wyong Roos), Mirco Bergamasco (unattached)




Unless I'm mistaken, it looks like ONE player from the domestic League has been included!! Well done Italy.
 

welshmagpie

Juniors
Messages
515
2 domestics in Zilotti and Pagani plus Celerino who has played domestically but since progressed to Semi-Pro level.

They're pretty strong. I think them vs Wales will be interesting (hoping Wales pip it)
 
Messages
14,139
And the old union fella. So that's four fair dinkum Italians. Probably more than expected really. They'll get through.
 

langpark

First Grade
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5,867
Cameron Ciraldo’s selection includes players who ply their trade in five countries – Italy, France, England, Australia and Wales – as the Azzurri aim to take their place in a second successive World Cup.

I cannot seem to find his name in the team list though??


Edit, I suppose he's the coach then?
 

deluded pom?

Coach
Messages
10,897
I'll be surprised If Campese plays. He only played for Hull KR at the end of the season because of the club's desperation to get a play maker on the pitch.
 

Emu01

Juniors
Messages
833
2 domestics in Zilotti and Pagani plus Celerino who has played domestically but since progressed to Semi-Pro level.

They're pretty strong. I think them vs Wales will be interesting (hoping Wales pip it)

I feel sorry for Serbia.They do the right thing as far as growing the game and using home grown players and Italy rock up with one Maybe they should make a rule that states you have to select at least say 5 home grown players.
 

adamkungl

Immortal
Messages
42,971
I feel sorry for Serbia.They do the right thing as far as growing the game and using home grown players and Italy rock up with one Maybe they should make a rule that states you have to select at least say 5 home grown players.

If homegrown players were compulsory everyone's favourite islands would drop out of the top 20 rankings
 

siv

First Grade
Messages
6,782
Grandparent rule will start to be less of a issue for Italians and Greeks after another generation as the legacy of families leaving Europe after WWII means we start seeing 3 generation born Aussies

As the kids of the current generation players most likely wont qualify under that rule
 

jim_57

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
4,661
The Union guy is a bit of a strange one, maybe a bit of a publicity stunt?

Can see that team walking a spot, whether it be by topping their group or trouncing Russia or Spain in the 2nd V 2nd game. As always with heritage dominated teams, at the very least I hope it can attract some attention in Italy, these type of games should be aiming to help the game grow in these countries.
 

jim_57

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
4,661
Can't we get three locals in should they make the RLWC?

If I remember correctly France in 2008 got a few of their Elite players over to train/play in Australia in the Elite off-season. To keep up fitness & get acclimatized.

Would be a good example to follow for the likes of Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Lebanon etc. Even France again.
 

RedVee

First Grade
Messages
7,189
Grandparent rule will start to be less of a issue for Italians and Greeks after another generation as the legacy of families leaving Europe after WWII means we start seeing 3 generation born Aussies

As the kids of the current generation players most likely wont qualify under that rule
They'll change the rule then. :)

Father/Son ?
 

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