The First 35 Chosen

So Franco Smith has chosen his (initially 35-man) training squad and there are certainly a few surprises. Then again we were expecting surprises so i guess they aren't surprises anymore. Just interesting selections maybe? Anyway, with the absence of both Parisse and Ghiraldini it looks like Smith was worried about a lack of leadership in the squad and has therefore drafted in a few old faces to help out. Benetton captain Alberto Sgarbi and his teammate Tommaso Benvenuti have been brought in to provide extra covers in the centres. Sgarbi hasn't featured for the Azzurri since 2014 but brings a lot of experience as well as the ability to switch to flanker if needed. In the second row both Dean Budd and Alessandro Zanni get invitations to the initial training camp. This is understandable due to them being the eldest two players in a very young squad but neither have featured much for their club side since the world cup. I wouldn't be surprised if 22 year old Niccolo Cannone gets the nod ahead of both. Having previously impressed for the Italian U20 team he is now showing positive signs with Benetton in the Pro14.

In the heavily competitive race for a place in the back row Maxime Mbanda has been pipped by his Zebre teammates Giovanni Licata and Johan Meyer. There is also a place for young Benetton flanker Marco Lazzaroni who is picked above teammate Giovanni Pettinelli, possibly due to his ability to switch to lock. A big emission is 34 cap Tito Tebaldi who was first choice scrum half at the world cup. He has been squeezed out by Marcello Violi's return to fitness as well as his Zebre teammate Guglielmo Palazzani. I have a feeling that against Wales they will start with Callum Braley at scrum half. The Gloucesterman showed signs of a good relationship with Tommaso Allan at the World Cup and Italy are going to need their creative players to have amazing games if they are to unlock a Welsh defence.... in Cardiff.

Unfortunately there are going to be a lot of disappointed props in the bars of Treviso tonight. Ferrari, Quaglio, Pasquali and Traore all miss out on spots with Edinburgh's Pietro Ceccarelli being recalled to the squad after a 2 year absence. Italy fans will be excited that young guns Marco Riccioni, Danilo Fischetti and Giosue Zilocchi all make the cut.

So we now know who is in the (initial) plans of (interim) head coach Franco Smith. It's 18 days till the Six Nations starts and you're thinking 'I must have more information about these Italian players!!'. Well you are in luck my friends. Over the next 18 days I will be analysing the options Italy have for all positions. This will include players who haven't been featured in this first squad but might feature later in the tournament or in the coming years. 18 days.