Six Nations 2002 - Italy profiles

One of the most talented players to play for Italy and a world class kicker. He began in Argentina, playing club rugby with La Tablada. He was considered the natural successor to Hugo Porta and played two unofficial matches with the Pumas in Chile and Uruguay scoring 27 points. Then he missedthe tour in Australia and decided to move to Italy, joining Milan. He began in the centre but soon moved to outside half. Now playing for Stade Francais, he has scored more than 5,000 points in club rugby and close to four figures for Italy.

ALESSANDRO TRONCON
Scrum half

The Montferrand scrum half is one of the stars of the Italian team. With Diego Dominguez he is part of one of the most complete half back lines in the world. A good defender, he can be very dangerous around the scrum. Earned the first of his 67 international caps against Spain in 1994 and has 10tries to his name.

MAURO BERGAMASCO
Openside flanker

Only 22, but one of the most prodigious talents in the Northern Hemisphere. The top European clubs will be beating a path to his door when he finishes his university studies. Has it all - explosive presence, good pace and hands, destructive tackling and a lovely body swerve which can take him through a gap in the tightest of defences. Brother Mirco has nowmade the squad in the backs.

ANDREA LO CICERO
Prop

Italy's loose-head is building a reputation as a world-class scrummager and can hold his own with most opponents. Andrea was a pre-season target for more than one English Premiership club. He forms the cornerstone of a useful front five who will have to be at their best if Italy are to avoid the 'il cucchiaio di legno' (that's wooden spoon to you non-Italian speakers).

CARLO CAIONE
Back row

Made his debut in the national side in the 40-3 win over Romania in 1995 after winning the Italian championship with L'Aquila and captaining Italy A. A natural skipper in the back row, he is a good leader with incredibletalent for covering in defence.

AARON PERSICO
Flanker

Cast in the mould of typically competitive New Zealand flanker. Not surprising really, since the 22-year-old was born in Wellington and played for their Under 21s but not All Blacks. Qualifies through Italian grandparents and has been on the fringes of the Test team since Italy's inaugural win over the Scots. Took his chance to impress on the SouthernHemisphere summer tour when many top players were absent and was star performer in Italy's best performance, the 17-9 defeat by the Springboks.