Italy coach Franco Smith said
Monday that hooker Luca Bigi will be the Azzurri's captain for
the 2020 Six Nations, taking over from long-standing skipper
Sergio Parisse.
Parisse has effectively retired from international rugby
although he will make a farewell appearance against either
Scotland on February 22 or England on March 14, at Rome's Stadio
Olimpico.
The match that was expected to be the number eight's
swansong, a clash with New Zealand at the World Cup in Japan
last year, was called off due to extreme weather.
Bigi, a 28-year-old who plays for Zebre, has 28 caps.
"No one knows how we want to play and the surprise element is
in factor in our favour," said Smith, who has been named
caretaker Azzurri coach after Conor O'Shea stepped down
following the World Cup.
"We want a model of played based on our characteristics that
can lead to good results.
"Parisse has given a lot to Italy. He played five World Cups.
"He has said he wants to be recalled for a big match and so
we'll see how to include him".
Italy start their 2020 Six Nations campaign in Wales on
February 1.
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