Mark Minichiello to captain Italy in World Cup qualifiers

Drew Darbyshire

Mark Minichello is set to captain Italy in the forthcoming final European qualifiers for the 2021 World Cup.

The Azzurri are in Pool A with Ireland and Spain, with the top two nations going through.

Minichiello announced his retirement from the club game after the conclusion of Hull FC’s season in Super League – but he is set to captain Italy this autumn after he led the Azzurri in the last World Cup.

Jack Johns – son of Matthew and nephew of Immortal Andrew – has also been named in the squad after playing for Italy at the 2017 World Cup.

Italy train-on squad:

Luis Lollo (Ambrosiana Tigers)

Alec Susino (Barrow Raiders)

Joey Tramontana (Blacktown Workers)

Rhys Sciilitano (Blacktown Workers)

Nathan Milone (Cabramatta)

Jarrett Subloo (Canberra Raiders)

Mason Cerruto (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Simone Boscolo (Carina Tigers)

Michele Olocco (Carina Tigers)

Alberto Berganton (Carina Tigers)

Josef Fella (Castleford Tigers)

Matthew Bonanno (Central Tigers)

Matthew Tedesco (Coogee Dolphins)

Ethan Natoli, Josh Natoli (Coogee-Randwick)

Lachlan Scarpelli (Cronulla Sharks)

Vince Ripepi (East Campbelltown)

Samuel Dolores (Eastwood Rugby)

Brock Pelligra (Glebe-Burwood)

James Saltonstall (Halifax RLFC)

Daniel De Vecchis (Hills District Bulls)

Mark Minichiello (Hull FC)

Giuseppe Pagani (Lignano Sharks)

Daniele Not (Lignano Sharks)

Mattia Not (Lignano Sharks)

Mauro Quarino (Lignano Sharks)

Lorenzo Marcuz (Lignano Sharks)

Juan Vila (Lignano Sharks)

Ippolito Occhialini (Lignano Sharks)

Tommaso Nicoli (Lignano Sharks)

Rinaldo Palumbo (London Skolars)

Cooper Johns (Melbourne Storm)

Bandoni Ettore (Milano Mustangs)

Bienati Nicolò (Milano Mustangs)

Botti Davide (Milano Mustangs)

Pirotta Carlo (Milano Mustangs)

Signorelli Davide (Milano Mustangs)

Lorenzo Leandro (Milano Mustangs)

Morosi Fabio (Milano Mustangs)

Berton Edoardo (Milano Mustangs)

Zappa Giorgio (Milano Mustangs)

Coppi Manuel (Milano Mustangs)

Mastromauro Davide (Milano Mustangs)

Santarelli Alessandro (Milano Mustangs)

Caldara Simone (Milano Mustangs)

Ryan King (Mounties)

Joshua Carr (Newtown Jets)

Luke Polselli (Newtown Jets)

Luke Hodge (North Sydney Bears)

Jack Campagnolo (Northern Pride)

Emanuele Passera (Parma Cowboys)

Alexander Myles (Penrith Panthers)

John Trimboli (Penrith Panthers)

Santino Battagliolo (Ryde Eastwood Hawks)

Lorenzo Grosso (Saluzzo North West Roosters)

Samuele Audisio (Saluzzo North West Roosters)

Tallone Filippo (Saluzzo North West Roosters)

Radosta Gabriele (Saluzzo North West Roosters)

Gabriele Pattaro (Saluzzo North West Roosters)

Luca Moressa (Saluzzo North West Roosters)

Marc Zaurrini (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Jack Frasca (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Jack Johns (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Anton Ilaria (St Marys)

Luca Moretti (Sydney Roosters)

Richard Lepori (Swinton Lions)

Brenden Santi (Toulouse Olympique)

Dean Parata (Toulouse Olympique)

Alberto Suin (Veneto Black Rabbits)

Mattia Saoncella (Veneto Black Rabbits)

Fabio Galetto (Veneto Black Rabbits)

Guido Cicogna (Veneto Black Rabbits)

Edoardo Paluello (Veneto Black Rabbits)

Daniel Petralia (Wentworthville Magpies)

Nicholas Okladnikov (Wentworthville Magpies)

Gus Garzaniti (Wests Magpies)

Harrison O’Toole (Wests Magpies)

Chris Centrone (Wyong Roos)

Josh Mantellato (Wyong Roos)

Gioele Celerino (West Wales Raiders)

Chris Vitalini (West Wales Raiders)

Gianluca Azzali (XIII del Ducato)

Nico Rizzelli (St Helens)

Shann Brugel (Villefranche XIII)


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