Mallett turns to Ghiraldini

Italy coach Nick Mallett has turned to Treviso hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini to lead the side during the RBS Six Nations.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has turned to Treviso hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini to lead the side during the RBS Six Nations. Ghiraldini has skippered the Azzurri on two previous occasions - but with inspirational No.8 Sergio Parisse ruled out of the tournament after rupturing his knee ligaments, he will take over the reins. And Mallett is confident the 25-year-old will rise to the challenge. "He has personality," Mallett said. "Leonardo has captained Italy twice before when Sergio has been unavailable. "He is part of a world-class front row and I think that hooker is a very good position to captain a side from.

Competitive

"Of course we will miss Sergio, but you can't be a one-man team - that really would be a sad state of affairs." Ghiraldini, who has previously captained Calvisano, has already sdet his side the target of registering at least one win in the competition. "We want to be competitive in any game and win at least one match in this year's tournament," said Ghiraldini, who will lead the side out against Ireland at Croke Park on February 6. "It will be very important for us to focus on our strengths, to keep improving as a team and not challenge our opponents on their strengths."