Zebre Parma head to Wales for their first away fixture of the BKT United Rugby Championship season, kicking off at 4 p.m. (Italy time) on Saturday at Brewery Field in Bridgend. The Round 3 clash against the Ospreys will be streamed live on Sky Sport. Of the last four encounters between the two sides, the Welshmen have claimed three wins — but it was the Italians who came out on top in the most recent meeting at the Lanfranchi.
Head coach Massimo Brunello struck a determined tone ahead of the match:
“We’ve made several changes to the lineup due to injuries and technical choices, but we don’t want to lose our fighting spirit. Ospreys are a very well-drilled side across the park. We’ll look to start strong and stay close on the scoreboard, relying on structure and counterattacks. The goal is to challenge them and keep the contest alive until the final whistle.”
After back-to-back home wins to open their campaign, the Zebre squad travelling to the UK includes: Montemauri; Pani, Zanon, Lucchin, Gesi; Roger Farias, Dominguez; Ferrari, Bianchi, Volpi; Ortombina, Canali; Nocera, Ribaldi, Buonfiglio (captain).
Replacements: Quattrini, Hasa, Pitinari, Carrera, Locatelli, Varotto (Academy), Morisi, Belloni.
The captain’s armband goes to Paolo Buonfiglio, with Giovanni Licata still serving suspension.
The medical report confirms absences through injury for Odiase, Stavile, Fusco, Garcia, Da Re, Trulla, Ruffolo, and Rizzoli.
Fans in Parma can follow the match live at the Zebre Club House at Stadio Lanfranchi, which will be open for the occasion with a special offer: entry at €10, including a drink and buffet aperitivo.