Springbok opponents Italy dealt major injury blow ahead of Turin Test

Italy have confirmed 15 key men are unavailable through injury for the upcoming Test in Turin, a list that includes Ignacio Brex, Sebastian Negri, Tommaso Menoncello and captain Michele Lamaro.

The Azzurri come into the opening Test against the Boks in search of an improved record, after finishing July's Nations Championship block bottom of the Northern Hemisphere table with three losses.

The headlines within Quesada's squad will inevitably come from the injury list, with the aforementioned men joined by Giulio Bertaccini, Malik Faissal, Riccardo Favretto, Alessandro Izekor, Louis Lynagh, Giulio Marini, Martin Page-Relo, David Odiase, Mirco Spagnolo, Edoardo Todaro and Andrea Zambonin.

Tighthead Marco Riccioni is also unavailable for family reasons.

However, Ange Capuozzo returns to the fold for the first time since the Six Nations after missing the July tour through injury, while regular features Simone Ferrari, Danilo Fischetti, Niccolò and Lorenzo Cannone, Tommaso Allan, Paolo Garbisi and Monty Ioane all feature.

Commenting on his squad and the upcoming Test, Quesada said: "One of the greatest challenges in the history of Italian rugby awaits us: four consecutive matches against four of the best teams in the world. I have complete confidence in the players available.

"The three-day training camp with the full squad reaffirmed everyone's great enthusiasm and determination. I'm confident that every player will seize this opportunity to demonstrate their value and the team's character."

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