The BKT United Rugby Championship returns with the Italian derbies, as Zebre Parma prepare to take on their rivals Benetton Treviso. A double-header awaits, first away from home and then at Stadio Lanfranchi. Tomorrow at 15:00, Monigo Stadium will host the latest chapter of the classic clash between the Lions and the Zebras. Head coach Massimo Brunello and the entire club are fully focused on what is always one of the most intense periods of the season.
The coaching staff have confirmed the following starting XV: Montemauri; Bertaccini, Zanon, Mazza, Gesi; Da Re, Fusco; Odiase, Locatelli, Stavile; Krumov (capt.), Ferrari; Pitinari, Di Bartolomeo, Hasa. The replacements are Ribaldi, Buonfiglio, Nocera, Ortombina, Canali, Dominguez, Faissal, and Licata.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Italia, Premier Sports, SuperSport, FloRugby and URC.tv. In Parma, the Club House at the Cittadella del Rugby will be open for the occasion, allowing supporters to watch the game on the big screen while enjoying food and drink.
“Going into these two derbies, we are fully aware of what we have become,” said head coach Brunello. “We want to confirm our identity. There have been many improvements, especially in terms of squad depth, and we want to show that on the field. We are facing a strong side; it will be a real test to understand where we are. Winning at Monigo is difficult for anyone. Benetton have a powerful squad, with almost all internationals. It will not be easy to find weaknesses, but that is exactly what makes this challenge so appealing. We will try to give everything. The players are aware, motivated and hungry. They want to keep pushing and to gain territory, metre by metre.”
Excitement is already building at Stadio Lanfranchi ahead of the return fixture on 27 December. The stadium is close to a sell-out, with only a few seats still available in the South Stand.
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ZEBRE PARMA – MATCHDAY 23
15 Montemauri
14 Bertaccini
13 Zanon
12 Mazza
11 Gesi
10 Da Re
9 Fusco
8 Odiase
7 Locatelli
6 Stavile
5 Krumov (C)
4 Ferrari
3 Pitinari
2 Di Bartolomeo
1 Hasa
Replacements:
16 Ribaldi
17 Buonfiglio
18 Nocera
19 Ortombina
20 Canali
21 Dominguez
22 Faissal
23 Licata (C)