Warriors new recruits Hame Faiva and Renato Giammarioli have been named in Italy’s 33-atrong squad for their three-match summer tour.
Hooker Faiva has been recruited from Treviso-based Benetton and number eight Giammarioli from Parma-based Zebre among seven new signings made by Warriors Lead Rugby Consultant Steve Diamond.
New Zealander Faiva has been capped four times since he qualified by residence to play for Italy last year and he made a try-scoring debut against Uruguay in Parma in the Autumn Internationals.
Giammarioli, 27, has won five caps since he made his debut for the Azzurri in 2017.
Italy will play Portugal in Lisbon on June 25, Romania in Bucharest on July 1 and Georgia in Batumi on July 10.
“We have a very interesting squad available with a mix of young people who will be able to make their debut in the national team and the return of experienced athletes,” said Italy Head Coach Kieran Crowley.
“This summer tour represents a crucial stage in our journey. We are back from a win in Wales and will now face teams against which we want to show further progress by strengthening our team identity just over a year out from a major event like RWC.”