Johnstone to rest Bergamasco
March 10, 2002

Italy coach Brad Johnstone has decided to rest promising centre Mirco Bergamasco from the upcoming Six Nations match with Ireland in Dublin.

Johnstone has decided to allow Bergamasco to play for Italy's under-19 side in the World Cup for that age group which is being staged in the player's home northern region of Veneto.

Johnstone was full of praise for the performances of Mirco, who has just turned 19 and played as a substitute against France at the Stade de France and as a starter against Scotland and Wales.

"I am very pleased with Mirco Bargamasco's contribution to the Italian team in recent Six Nations matches," the coach said.

"The boy has shown not only he is a young talent but also a young man. In these games Mirco has acquired the experience he will need for the future. So I have no problem freeing him to play for the under-19s as he can be a winning card for his age group."

Mirco, like his older brother Mauro who is also an international, is the son of former Italy player Arturo, who will have the final say as to whether Mirco turns professional or like Mauro first goes to university.

"Naturally the final decision is with his father," said Johnstone. "Both he and I are in agreement that the boy must also concentrate on his studies this year." - Sapa

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