Everything is ready for Zebre Parma’s home debut as they host Georgia’s Black Lion tomorrow at the Cittadella del Rugby in Parma. Kick-off at the Lanfranchi Stadium is scheduled for 8:30 p.m., but the matchday will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the season-opening conference at the Zebre Club House, moderated by Gazzetta di Parma editor Claudio Rinaldi.
The first session will present the 2025/26 season, with opening remarks from Italian Rugby Federation president Andrea Duodo, followed by technical updates from head coach Massimo Brunello and Zebre Parma’s new Chief Operating & Sporting Director George Biagi. Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada will close the opening section. The second block, focused on enhancing the role of the federal franchise, will feature contributions from team main sponsor Egidio Amoretti, Giammaria Manghi (Sports Policy Coordinator for the Emilia-Romagna Region), and Parma mayor Michele Guerra. Zebre Parma president Giovanni Fava will open and close the inaugural event.
The clash with Black Lion marks Zebre’s second preseason friendly, ahead of their United Rugby Championship opener on September 27 at 4:00 p.m. against Edinburgh Rugby at the Lanfranchi.
Coach Brunello, still resting his internationals as he did in Lyon, will use the match to fine-tune his squad’s preparations. Zebre Parma’s matchday squad includes:
Forwards – Franceschetto, Milano, Volpi, Ruggeri, Locatelli, Buonfiglio, Stavile, Krumov, Ribaldi, Ortombina, Ferrari, Nocera, Quattrini, Pitinari, Neculai, Bianchi.
Backs – Pani, Montemauri, Mazza, Corona (permit player, HBS Rugby Colorno), Lucchin, Morisi, Ciofani (permit player, Rugby Viadana), Roger Farias, Dominguez, Casilio (permit player Hbs Colorno), Prinsloo (invitee, Italian Rugby Academy “Ivan Francescato”), Degli Antoni (invitee, Italian Rugby Academy “Ivan Francescato” / Rugby Parma), Cortellazzi (invitee, Rugby Parabiago), Vitale (invitee, Italian Rugby Academy “Ivan Francescato”).
Black Lion’s traveling squad features:
Forwards – Khatiashvili, Kakovini, Abdushelishvili, Mamuhashvili, Kvatadze, Tchamiashvili, Chkamiashvili, Tsikhistavi, Darbaidze, Espremidze, Babunashvili, Nikoladze, Kervalishvili, Ghaniashvili, Gusharashvili, Sinauridze, Tsikhistavi, Tsutskiradze.
Backs – Peranidze, Spanderashvili, Tsirekidze, Kakhonidze, Tapladze, Lutidze, Aptisiauri, Metreveli, Shvangiradze, Todua, Tabutsadze, Takaishvili.
Fans at the Lanfranchi – and supporters following online – will be able to engage directly on social media during the match. Key highlights and standout plays will be shared on the Instagram and TikTok channels of Living Rugby, with interactive opportunities for comments.
Post-match, the Zebre squad will be introduced one by one to the fans on the pitch, followed by the presentation of the “Player of the Match” award, delivered by the Est 155 Parma group. The evening will conclude with the traditional Terzo Tempo at the Club House, opening at 10:45 p.m. and showcasing Parma’s renowned food and wine specialties.