Italians determined to maintain progress ahead of RLWC2013
The current league leaders make six changes to the side that defeated Germany last time out. France-based Ray Nasso and Christophe Calegari make their first appearances since the successful 2013 World Cup qualifiers, and there’s a debut for York City Knight’s prop Dario Esposito.
Eight members of the Italy squad are European Shield 2012/13 ever-presents: Ciaurro; Cardella; Fontana; Franchi; Marchesi; Peens; Prizzon and Rancati.
Matt Sands and Fabio Nannini return from a season playing for All Saints in Liverpool, New South Wales, while sharpshooter Gert Peens will again be important after his excellent goal kicking in the clashes with Serbia and Germany.
Head coach and technical director Carlo Napolitano is eagerly anticipating the challenge. He says:
“We are currently sitting on the top of the table and we intend on doing our best to stay there for the start of the fixtures in 2013 leading into the World Cup.
“The European Shield is a part of the official selection process for the World Cup, so we are looking for good performances and a steady development from all our players.”
The match takes place at the SK NARA Stadium in Naro-Fominsk (70km south west of Moscow city).
