Rugby - Six Nations:Fullback Andrea Marcato was one of six players cut from Italy's squad today ahead of Saturday's Six Nations opener against Grand Slam champions Ireland at Croke Park (2.30pm).
Marcato, who was first choice fullback during last year's tournament and has also played outhalf, missed the November tests through injury and has now been dropped despite number 10 Craig Gower struggling with a leg injury.
Italy head coach Nick Mallett named uncapped Riccardo Bocchino in his revised 24-man squad. The Rovigo outhalf avoided Mallett’s cull and will provide cover for Gower.
Forwards Antonio Pavanello, Simone Favaro and Manoa Vosawai have also been released from the squad to play for Italy A against England Saxons on Sunday along with centre Matteo Pratichetti and wing Michele Sepe.
Benetton Treviso’s Leonardo Ghiraldini will captain the Azzurri in the absence of Sergio Parisse.
Mallett will finalise his team on Thursday.
Italy squad (v Ireland):
Forwards: Matias Aguero, Mauro Bergamasco, Marco Bortolami, Martin Castrogiovanni, Lorenzo Cittadini, Carlo Antonio Del Fava, Paul Derbyshire, Quintin Geldenhuys, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Fabio Ongaro, Salvatore Perugini, Josh Sole, Alessandro Zanni.
Backs: Mirco Bergamasco, Riccardo Bocchino, Gonzalo Canale, Gonzalo Garcia, Craig Gower, Andrea Masi, Luke McLean, Simon Picone, Kaine Robertson, Alberto Sgarbi, Tito Tebaldi.