Italy have handed Malik Faissal and Alessandro Ortombina Test debuts for Saturday’s Nations Championship opener against Japan in Tokyo, giving Gonzalo Quesada’s side a sharper developmental edge at the start of a demanding July block.
The Italian federation confirmed Quesada’s XV will face Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, with kick-off listed for 17:40 local time. World Rugby’s match centre also names Nic Berry as referee for the Nations Championship fixture.
Il XV Azzurro per l’esordio nel Nations Championship contro il Giappone.
— Italrugby (@Federugby) July 2026
Quesada backs a fresh Italy edge
Faissal starts on the wing after a rapid rise through Zebre and Italy Under-20s before his move to Northampton Saints. Ortombina, also developed through the Italian pathway, joins captain Michele Lamaro and Lorenzo Cannone in the back row.
The spine remains experienced. Paolo Garbisi and Stephen Varney run the half-backs, Juan Ignacio Brex partners Tommaso Menoncello in midfield, while Danilo Fischetti, Tommaso Di Bartolomeo and Marco Riccioni form the front row.
Italy’s bench carries further intrigue, with Tommaso Allan one appearance away from 90 caps if used. Ross Vintcent is also back in the matchday squad after the injury that kept him out during the Six Nations.
For Italy, this is more than a Tokyo opener. Quesada has picked a side built to test Japan’s tempo while still accelerating two new players into a squad trying to turn recent Six Nations progress into broader global credibility.
