ITALIAN coach Massimo Mascioletti has made seven changes to his starting line-up for their Rugby World Cup pool B wooden-spoon battle against Tonga on Sunday. Former Bradford Bulls rugby league winger Nick Zisti makes way for Fabio Roselli, whose centre partner is Alessandro Ceppolino. In the back row, Carlo Caione comes in for Orazio Arancio and Stefano Saviozzi takes over at openside flanker from Mauro Bergamasco. Carlo Checchinato moves from the bench to lock, swapping places with Walter Cristofoletto and there are new props in Andrea Castellani and Alessandro Moreno. The Tongans have brought back full-back Sateki Tuipulotu for the match. Tuipulotu, who played in the 1995 World Cup finals, replaces Siua Taumalolo, who was handed a three-week suspension earlier this week for high and dangerous tackles in his side’s opening defeat by New Zealand. Coach Dave Waterston is also forced through injury to make changes to his front row, bringing in Ngalu Tau at tight-head prop and Latiume Maka at hooker.
Italy
Mattew Pini; Paolo Vaccari, Christian Stoica, Fedrico Ceppolino, Fabio Roselli; Diego Dominguez, Alessandro Troncon; Stefano Saviozzi, Carlo Caione, Massimo Giovanelli (capt), Mark Giacheri, Carlo Checchinato, Andrea Castellani, Alessandro Moscardi, Alessandro Moreno. Replacements: Nicola Mazzucato, Francesco Mazzariol, Giampiero Mazzi, Oranzio Arancio, Walter Cristofolettoi, Franco Properzi-Curti, Andrea Moretti.
Tonga
Sateki Tuipulotu; Taunaholo Taufahema, Semi Taupeaafe, Elisi Vunipola (capt), Epeli Taione; Brian Woolley, Sililo Martens; Katilione Tuipulotu, Sonatane Koloi, David Edwards, Benhur Kivalu, Falamani Mafi, Ngalu Tau, Latiume Maka, Ta’u Faingaanuku, Replacements: Sione Tuipulotu, Tevita Tiueti, Isi Tapueluelu, Mat Te Pou, Isi Fatani, Tamieni Penisini, Puku Faletau.