Italy, Crowley: “With Scotland we play to win. Lucchesi, Padovani and Marin will not be at the World Cup."

During a press conference, Kieran Crowley explained his choices ahead of Scotland-Italy, which will see the Azzurri take the field with a XV different from the usual with the aim of trying as many players as possible in view of the convocation of the final 33 for the World Cup.

“The places for the Rugby World Cup are 33,” Crowley began: “In the 3 rallies there were players who arrived in different conditions. There are those who need more recovery, those who need to play, hence the choice of training. We want to see as much as possible all the players at work.” On Ruzza's choice as captain: “Ruzza is a smart, professional player and the guys are used to following him. He is the vice-captain of the team and has recognized leadership.”

"There will be two beginnings, Martin Page Relo and Lorenzo Pani, who arrived at the ongoing rally after Padovani's injury: "Pai's selection is linked to the willingness to see a player who had a good season with the Zebre. It has excellent physical and technical qualities to replace Padovani. Allan is also able to do the extreme, but this time we wanted to try something new, testing a young man like Pani internationally. Padovani's was a major loss, because we are talking about a player able to play wing, extreme and open, but Lorenzo can do very well and has an important opportunity.”

As for the approach with which the boys will take the field, Crowley has no doubts: “It's a test match, so our goal is to win. Then of course this game will give us important indications also for the future, there will be things that will emerge and on which we will then work. We are focused on our performance.”

The coach then explained the situation of the long-term injured, and for many of them unfortunately there is no good news: “As for Padovani, Marin and Lucchesi, unfortunately they will not be considered for the World Cup. The first two will be able to return to play in October, while Gianmarco will be available as early as mid-September but it would still be too late for the World Cup. I talked to the guys and they are obviously very sorry, but they also know that you can't do much else.”

As for Capuozzo, he will follow a different path but he will be ready shortly: “We will not see him against Ireland but he is following the right recovery times for him. It will be available for the game with Romania.”