Quesada Makes Big Calls in the Final Round

Italian head coach Gonzalo Quesada has announced seven changes to his team named versus Ireland. This Azzurri side looks far more recognisable than last week’s outfit but two big names miss out. 

Michele Lamaro, Italy’s captain, drops to the bench after several games where he hasn’t quite hit his stride. His workrate is second to none but he has packed less of a punch in the tackle which is his calling card. Niccolo Cannone also drops to the bench and his athleticism will be missed versus a striding Irish pack. Dino Lamb comes into the second row and the Italian’s will be hoping he replicates his form from November. The Harlequins’ second row had a great performance against the All Blacks, creating linebreaks and racking up meters in the carry. However, it is a big call by Quesada to break up his usually preferred second row. He is partnered by Federic=co Ruzza who by his own standards has had a quiet tournament. 

Martin Page Relo returns to the number nine shirt. Stephen Varney was selected to start last weekend against England and hadn’t been used till that point. It felt like a tough ask for a player to come in and perform against a dogged England side. The 23 year old has been named on the bench this week. Tommaso Allan returns at fullback in what feels like a much more settled back three combination. Quesada continues with Monty Ioane on the left wing and Ange Capuozzo on the right. It makes sense on paper but after four games it doesn’t feel right. Italy have endeavored to spread the ball out wide to Ioane but Capuozzo feels far more likely to capitalize from the opportunities going Ioane’s way. I think  Ioane’s physicality and strength in the air could be better utilised on the blindside wing. Perhaps Paolo Garbisi being left handed and footed changes the composition of what’s standard in the Italian backline?

Manuel Zuliani gets an opportunity in the backrow from the get go in the number seven shirt. Lorenzo Cannone returns at No.8 alongside stalwart Sebastian Negri. Try scoring Ross Vincent returns to the bench. Quesada has chosen a 6/2 bench to counteract Ireland’s pack with Varney and Leonardo Marin covering the backline. Allan and Tommaso Menoncello’s versatility technically enables them to go 6/2 but this Italian side will be hoping their two key players see out the game in their original positions.

Ireland haven’t lost to Italy since 2013 and while this is a different Azzurri side, they look set to bear the brunt of a bounce back performance from Ireland. Italy currently sit in 5th place on the table and are only one point ahead of Wales. It will be a tall task for Wales to gain points from their fixture but Italy will want to put their destiny in their own hands to ensure they avoid the wooden spoon.