ROME — Tommaso Allan’s return to the national rugby scene was solidified with his selection to represent Italy against Argentina in their autumn rugby kickoff set for this weekend in Udine.
Allan had previously stepped away from international rugby following Italy’s opening Six Nations match against England, where they faced a narrow 27-24 defeat in Rome. As Italy’s all-time top scorer in Rugby World Cups, he decided to take a break to focus on club commitments and family life.
During his time away, the Italian team thrived, achieving their most successful Six Nations campaign to date, claiming victories over both Scotland and Wales while managing a draw against France.
“I watched their games on TV,” Allan commented. “It was bittersweet to see them succeed from afar, yet I celebrated their accomplishments. My decision to take a break was beneficial for both me and my family. I also believe it has positively impacted my performance on the field. I focused on helping Perpignan maintain their position in the Top 14.”
Feeling rejuvenated, Allan reached out to coach Gonzalo Quesada in September to express his desire to return.
“Coming back to the Italian side feels like the first day of school for me,” he shared.
For Saturday’s match, Italy has made four adjustments to the lineup from their previous encounter, a convincing 42-14 victory against Japan in Sapporo in July.
Winger Monty Ioane is back, continuing his impressive streak with three tries in his last three matches. Meanwhile, flanker Sebastian Negri and lock Federico Ruzza have stepped in for the unavailable Ross Vintcent and Andrea Zambonin, and hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi has been rotated into the squad.
In addition to Allan’s return, Harlequins lock Dino Lamb, who hasn’t seen action since the World Cup, is also back on the reserves bench.
Historically, Italy has struggled against Argentina, having not secured a victory against them since 2008 and failing to win at home since 1998.
On the Argentine side, six changes have been made after their Rugby Championship final defeat to South Africa, where they lost 48-7.
The roster sees the inclusion of seasoned forwards Francisco Gomez Kodela and Matias Alemanno, who both return as reserves. Gomez Kodela, now 39, has been absent from the team since last year’s World Cup, while Alemanno missed out on the Rugby Championship.
Newcomers to the squad include Miami midfielder Matias Orlando, Clermont wing Bautista Delguy, and club-less scrumhalf Gonzalo Bertranou, along with promoted players lock Franco Molina, center Lucio Cinti, and fullback Juan Cruz Mallia from the previous bench.
The Argentine team is touring without the injured Marcos Kremer (knee), Tomas Lavanini (ankle), Santiago Carreras (calf), and Santiago Chocobares. Former captain Pablo Matera is also absent due to a suspension.
Molina’s selection to replace Lavanini is the only alteration to the starting pack. Mallia is expected to fill dual roles at fullback and as a backup flyhalf for Tomas Albornoz.
Gomez Kodela, who played in all seven matches during the World Cup in France, has continued to impress for Stade Francais this season. “He never indicated he was stepping aside,” commented coach Felipe Contepomi. “Anyone with an active passport and dedication to play is eligible for selection. We discussed our vision for the short- and long-term future back in June, and bringing Frankie back may serve us best in the short term.”
Apart from their match against Italy, the Pumas are also set to face Ireland and France, but they chose not to include any of their four uncapped players, although one-cap Vannes flanker Bautista Pedemonte is on the bench.
Argentina’s last matchup with Italy took place in 2021, resulting in a 37-16 victory for the Pumas in Treviso.
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Lineups:
Italy: Ange Capuozzo, Louis Lynagh, Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Monty Ioane, Paolo Garbisi, Martin Page-Relo; Lorenzo Cannone, Michele Lamaro (captain), Sebastian Negri, Federico Ruzza, Niccolo Cannone, Marco Riccioni, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Mirco Spagnolo. Reserves: Giacomo Nicotera, Danilo Fischetti, Simone Ferrari, Dino Lamb, Manuel Zuliani, Alessandro Garbisi, Tommaso Allan, Marco Zanon.
Argentina: Juan Cruz Mallia, Rodrigo Isgro, Lucio Cinti, Matias Orlando, Bautista Delguy, Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Bertranou; Joaquin Oviedo, Santiago Grondona, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Pedro Rubiolo, Franco Molina, Joel Sclavi, Julian Montoya (captain), Thomas Gallo. Reserves: Ignacio Ruiz, Ignacio Calles, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Matias Alemanno, Bautista Pedemonte, Gonzalo Garcia, Matias Moroni, Santiago Cordero.