Galante called up by Italy

Gran Parma centre Alessio Galante has been called up to replace Ludovico Nitoglia in Italy’s squad for the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations game against Wales.

Nitoglia has been given a leave of absence for personal reasons and will not take part in the encounter at the Millennium Stadium on February 23.

Galante made his debut with the senior team last summer and could earn his third cap against Wales.

Nick Mallett’s side will begin training on Sunday in Rome and travel to Cardiff next Thursday hoping to clinch their first win of the 2008 tournament after narrow defeats to Ireland and England.

The Azzurri have been boosted by the return to fitness of Gloucester lock Marco Bortolami, who missed the two last encounters with an eye injury.