Varney Misses Italy vs Chile Test After Rib Fracture

This post explains the latest squad news for Italy’s national rugby team ahead of their final autumn Test against Chile in Genoa.

It covers the injury to Welsh‑born scrum‑half Stephen Varney, who will replace him, how head coach Gonzalo Quesada is rotating the side, and what the match means for Italy as they close out a positive 2025 autumn campaign.

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Varney ruled out after training injury — what happened?

Stephen Varney, Italy’s Welsh‑born scrum‑half, suffered a rib fracture in training and will miss the national team’s final November Test against Chile.

The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) confirmed the injury on Thursday and said further scans showed no serious complications, but the injury is severe enough to rule him out of Italy’s last Test match of 2025.

The timing is unfortunate for Varney personally and for a team that has been building momentum under head coach Gonzalo Quesada.

With recovery and player welfare the priority, the coaching team has opted for a conservative approach rather than risk a premature return.

Who steps in at scrum‑half?

Treviso’s Alessandro Garbisi has been called up to replace Varney at scrum-half.

Garbisi brings experience and familiarity with Italy’s tactical framework — crucial as Quesada looks to keep continuity in an otherwise rotated side.

Alessandro Garbisi named as replacement.
Varney confirmed out after rib fracture in training.
FIR: further tests show no additional complications.

Quesada’s rotation and retained leaders

Quesada has overseen an impressive autumn campaign, highlighted by a memorable victory over Australia and a competitive performance against world champions South Africa.

To manage workload and test depth, he has rotated the team for the Chile match — dropping ten players who started against South Africa — while retaining a strong spine.

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Key starters who keep their places include pace and flair on the wing and outside centre: Ange Capuozzo, Tommaso Menoncello, and Monty Ioane.

The powerful Cannone brothers — Lorenzo and Niccolò Cannone — also retain their starting roles.

Captaincy and comeback

Flanker Michele Lamaro returns from a thigh injury and resumes the captaincy.

His presence offers stability as a refreshed squad looks to finish the autumn slate on a high.

Match details and what’s at stake

The Test against Chile will take place in Genoa on Saturday.

Italy aims to close out a positive 2025 autumn series with another strong performance under Quesada’s leadership, using the opportunity to consolidate confidence and assess squad options ahead of next season’s competitions.

For rugby supporters and travelers alike, the fixture is an attractive mix of sport and Italian coastal charm.

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It’s a chance to enjoy Test rugby in a historic port city.

Rugby and Riviera: make a match weekend an Italian escape

Genoa’s proximity to the famed Italian Riviera makes it an ideal base for visiting fans. Combine the match with a coastal road trip that can include Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Camogli, Sestri Levante, Monterosso (Cinque Terre), La Spezia, Sanremo, Alassio and Varazze — all within reach.

From the harbor terraces of Genoa to the pastel villages of the Riviera, rugby weekends here blend sporting drama with some of Italy’s most scenic coastline.

Whether you’re following the Azzurri for the love of rugby or planning a coastal escape, the Chile fixture in Genoa is a perfect reason to explore the Italian Riviera’s towns and seafood.

Cheer on a squad that has rediscovered belief under Quesada.

Here is the source article for this story: Varney misses Italy’s Chile Test with rib fracture

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