Nieto returns for Italy

Italy coach Nick Mallett has recalled Carlos Nieto and Denis Dallan as part of his training squad for the Six Nations.

Dallan also back as part of 32-man squad

Italy coach Nick Mallett has recalled Carlos Nieto and Denis Dallan as part of his training squad for the Six Nations. Gloucester prop Nieto missed the World Cup due to fitness problems, while Overmach Cariparma winger Dallan has not played for the Azzurri since last February's 20-7 defeat to England. Saracens hooker Fabio Ongaro and Calvisano scrum-half Paul Griffen are the most surprising omissions in the 32-man squad. The Italian Rugby Federation did not announce a captain when they released the squad list. Gloucester lock Marco Bortolami led Italy at the World Cup, while Stade Francais duo Mauro Bergamasco and Sergio Parisse are also strong leadership candidates. Mallett's side start their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin on February 2 and then host England the following week. The training squad will meet in Rome for a three-day camp between January 20-22 and will reconvene on January 27 ahead of the trip to Ireland. Italy squad:
Backs: Mirco Bergamasco, David Bortolussi, Gonzalo Canale, Pablo Canavosio, Denis Dallan, Ezio Galon, Andrea Marcato, Andrea Masi, Ludovico Nitoglia, Enrico Patrizio, Ramiro Pez, Simon Picone, Matteo Pratichetti, Kaine Paul Robertson, Alberto Sgarbi, Pietro Travagli
Forwards: Robert Barbieri, Mauro Bergamasco, Marco Bortolami, Martin Castrogiovanni, Carlo Antonio Del Fava, Santiago Dellape, Carlo Festuccia, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Andrea Lo Cicero, Carlos Nieto, Sergio Parisse, Antonio Pavanello, Salvatore Perugini, Tommaso Reato, Josh Sole, Alessandro Zanni