Italy v United States of America, Rugby World Cup, September 25
Mallett recalls big guns
ESPNscrum Staff
September 25, 2011
Sergio Parisse scores Italy's opening try against Russia, Italy v Russia, Trafalgar Park, Nelson, New Zealand, September 20, 2011
Sergio Parisse will against skipper Italy in their meeting with the USA in Nelson © Getty Images
Enlarge

Italy head coach Nick Mallett has made nine changes in personnel for Tuesday's must-win clash with the USA at Trafalgar Park in Nelson.

Andrea Masi and Tommaso Benvenuti are the only survivors from the back-line which started against Russia in midweek, with the former again lining up at fullback and the latter moving out to the right wing to facilitate the return of Gonzalo Canale alongside his regular midfield partner Gonzalo Garcia in midfield. Mirco Bergamasco slots back in on the left wing, while Luciano Orquera and fabio Semenzato are recalled in the half-backs.

There is somewhat less disruption up front, with No.8 Sergio Parisse, who will again skipper the Azzurri, openside flanker Mauro Bergamasco, lock Quintin Geldenhuys and loose-head Salvatore Perugini all holding on to their starting berths. Parisse and Bergamasco will be joined in the back-row by Alessandro Zanni, Geldenhuys will have Cornelius van Zyl for company in the second-row, while Perugini lines up alongside Leonardo Ghiraldini and Martin Castrogiovanni in the front-row.

Italy: Andrea Masi; Tommaso Benvenuti, Gonzalo Canale, Gonzalo Garcia, Mirco Bergamasco; Luciano Orquera, Fabio Semenzato; Salvatore Perugini, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Martin Castrogiovanni; Quintin Geldenhuys, Cornelius van Zyl; Alessandro Zanni, Mauro Bergamasco, Sergio Parisse (capt).

Replacements: Fabio Ongaro, Andrea Lo Cicero, Marco Bortolami, Paul Derbyshire, Edoardo Gori, Riccardo Bocchino, Luke McLean.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.