Campese eyes RL World Cup berth with Italy

Nov 3, 2016 - 11:03 AM Former Hull KR captain Terry Campese will be hoping to guide Italy to the 2017 World Cup when he makes his final appearance on British soil on Friday night.

The Azzurri take on Russia at Leigh Sports Village in a final European qualifier which will complete the 14-team line-up for next year's tournament hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Campese, 32, the former Canberra five-eighth who left Hull KR following their relegation from Super League, is returning to captain his old junior club Queanbeyan Blues next year.

Having made a belated debut for Italy against Serbia in October, Campese could get the chance to make a farewell appearance at Canberra Stadium, which will host the winners of Friday's match against Fiji in 12 months.

Italy, who missed one chance to qualify when they lost their last pool match to Wales in Monza last Saturday, are the favourites to book the final spot.

It will be the sixth meeting between the two nations, with Italy holding a 3-2 lead including a 92-6 victory in the 2013 World Cup qualifiers in Padova.

Italy coach Cameron Ciraldo, who has recalled in Ryan Tramonte, a member of their 2013 World Cup squad, said: "The boys have trained very well since a disappointing loss to Wales last week.

"The new players in the squad are in for tactical reasons and deserve their chance."

Russia coach Denis Korolev, whose side went down 70-16 to Ireland in their final qualifying pool match, said: "We are really glad that we have earned a chance to fight for the last berth at the 2017 World Cup.

"The Italian team boasts a very good selection of players so we know this is not going to be an easy match for us."

Italy's 19-man squad also includes Gioele Celerino, who plays for Newcastle Thunder, and Oldham fullback or winger Richard Lepori as well as former rugby union international centre Mirco Bergamasco.

Source: AAP