Surprise change as Italy axe Lo Cicero

IN a year when Italy has been devastated by injuries, new coach Pierre Berbizier has dropped a bombshell by excluding one of his most experienced players for tomorrow’s RBS Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin.

The former French international, who took over from John Kirwan this season, has dropped Andrea Lo Cicero and instead turned to Fabio Ongaro as his side bids to win a first ever away match in the tournament.

Lo Cicero is a vastly-experienced prop with 49 caps but has to settle for a place amongst the replacements, while Ongaro will play alongside Carlos Nieto in the front row.

Another surprise sees Montpellier’sCristian Stoica play at full-back instead of his usual role at centre.

Clermont Auvergne’s Gonzalo Canale will line out alongside Mirco Bergamaso (State Francais) in the centre.

Bergamasco’s brother, Mauro, is named in the back row alongside Stade Francaiscolleague Sergio Parisse.

More and more Italian players ply their trade these days in France, and eight of the team are based there.