There is plenty riding on Saturday’s first Italian derby with both Benetton Rugby and Zebre fighting for a Champions Cup place next season as they face off in Treviso. The sides will meet at the Stadio Monigo having each won three Guinness PRO14 games so far in the campaign and knowing a pair of wins over their Italian rivals would boost their European hopes. What’s at stake? Home side Benetton sit fifth in Conference B, but a run of four consecutive losses has seen them lose ground on Edinburgh in the battle for a European play-off spot. Zebre are a place further back in sixth in Conference A, but just two points behind Connacht who currently sit in the play-off spot. Zebre beat Connacht in their last league game, but have not won on the road since September and a trip to face the Southern Kings. Team news (Benetton): Benetton have made seven changes to the side that lost to Scarlets last week, including a new-look centre pairing. Alberto Sgarbi and Ignacio Brex are paired together in midfield with Marty Banks in at fly-half in the only other change to the backline. Up front Nicola Quaglio and Tomas Baravalle come into the front row, while in the back row Whetu Douglas and Robert Barbieri are included. Team news (Zebre): Zebre have rung the changes from the team that was well-beaten at Gloucester last weekend, with only three players keeping their place in the starting line-up. Giulio Bisegni shifts from centre to wing, accommodating the return of skipper Tommaso Castello. Meanwhile Maxime Mbandà moves to flanker from No.8 and the only other survivor is George Biagi, who continues in the second row. Talking points: There has been reason for optimism this season with the Italian sides’ performances, and both were competitive in their European round three encounters, if a little less so in the return fixtures. As a result this Italian derby has some extra spice and Benetton coach Kieran Crowley is expecting a tough encounter. He said: “It is great that both Italian teams – Benetton and Zebre – are being more competitive this year in the Guinness PRO14, and playing some good rugby. This game is always one that is looked forward too by all the players and fans so hopefully it lives up to that expectation. We as a team have prepared well this week and are really looking forward to the challenge that Zebre will bring on Saturday.” Key Battle: Tito Tebaldi v Marcello Violi Italy have a wealth of experience at scrum-half, but it was Marcello Violi who got the nod in all three November Tests. Tito Tebaldi came off the bench for him in the clash with Argentina, and will be keen to lay down a marker against his international rival. With the hugely experienced Edoardo Gori waiting in the wings, the scrum-half battle should be one to watch. Did you know? Benetton won both fixtures between the two sides last season, with those wins playing a large part in them finishing above their Italian rivals in the league. Key Stat: Zebre have won just once on five trips to the Stadio Monigo. Their sole success came in January 2016, an 18-8 victory. Benetton Rugby: Jayden Hayward; Angelo Esposito, Ignacio Brex, Alberto Sgarbi, Monty Ioane; Marty Banks, Tito Tebaldi; Nicola Quaglio, Tomas Baravalle, Tiziano Pasquali, Alessandro Zanni, Dean Budd, Whetu Douglas, Abraham Steyn, Robert Barbieri Replacements: Hame Faiva, Federico Zani, Cherif Traore, Federico Ruzza, Marco Barbini, Edoardo Gori, Ian McKinley, Tommaso Benvenuti Zebre: Matteo Minozzi, Mattia Bellini, Tommaso Boni, Tommaso Castello, Giulio Bisegni, Carlo Canna, Marcello Violi, Andrea Lovotti, Oliviero Fabiani, Dario Chistolini, David Sisi, George Biagi, Maxime Mbandà, Johan Meyer, Renato Giammarioli Replacements: Tommaso D’Apice, Cruze Ah-Nau, Roberto Tenga, Jacopo Sarto, Derick Minnie, Guglielmo Palazzani, Serafin Bordoli, Ciaran Gaffney TV: Eurosport Italia 2 (KO 3pm) Match officials – Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR), AR1: Manuel Bottino (FIR). AR2: Andrea Piardi (FIR), TMO: Alan Falzone (FIR) Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and can be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie
