Ange Capuozzo is set to miss Italy's
final 2024 Six Nations game against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday
due to a fractured finger in his left hand, coach Gonzalo
Quesada said as he announced his starting line-up on Thursday.
It is a big setback as Capuozzo, who suffered the injury in the
Azzurri's 31-29 victory over Scotland in Rome last week, is one
of Italy's most dangerous players.
Indeed, his dazzling run set up the try by Edoardo Padovani that
enabled Italy to beat Wales in Cardiff two years ago.
Lorenzo Pani takes Capuozzo's place at fullback, with Louis
Lynagh, the son of Australia rugby great Michael Lynagh,
starting again on the wing after touching down in his
international debut last week.
In other changes, Stephen Varney starts at scrumhalf after
coming off the bench and scoring a try last week, and Lorenzo
Cannone returns from injury to take back the number eight shirt.
Wales, who have lost all their matches so far, will be looking
to win by a big score to overtake Italy in the standings and
avoid finishing last.
They have three points, while the Azzurri have seven.
"The key in the match against Wales will be to close down their
attack, defend well and, above all, maintain very good
discipline," said Quesada.
"Then we will have to put them under pressure with our hands and
with a bit of footwork, but defensive discipline will be
decisive.
"Even though Wales haven't obtained any victories yet this year,
they have a very good level, they have this 'spiritual' aspect
which sees them never give up, and they play good rugby when
they have possession of the ball."
Italy team: Lorenzo Pani; Louis Lynagh, Juan Ignacio Brex,
Tommaso Menoncello, Monty Ioane; Paolo Garbisi, Stephen Varney;
Lorenzo Cannone, Michele Lamaro (capt), Sebastian Negri;
Federico Ruzza, Niccolo Cannone; Simone Ferrari, Giacomo
Nicotera, Danilo Fischetti.
Replacements: Gianmarco Lucchesi, Mirco Spagnolo, Giosue
Zilocchi, Andrea Zambonin, Ross Vintcent, Manuel Zuliani, Martin
Page-Relo, Leonardo Marin.
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