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Zebre sign former Italy U20s hooker Tommaso Di Bartolomeo
By Ian Cameron
Zebre have confirmed the signing of Italian U20s hooker Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, who joins the team from Petrarca Padova.
Di Bartolomeo had an impressive two-year stint with the Paduan first team, during which they clinched the top Italian championship in 2022 as well as the Coppa Italia in 2022 and 2023.
Hailing from Padua, the 21-year-old hooker, who previously made his URC debut, will link up with his new club in the final week of June, when he will reunite with several former U20 national teammates in Parma.
"I am happy to be part of the team," said Di Bartolomeo. "I understand that this represents a significant leap in terms of competition, but it motivates me to perform even better. I am eager to begin training and contribute to the upcoming season."
Growing up in Padua, he embarked on his rugby career at the age of six with his local club, progressing through the youth ranks before joining the Treviso area academy. In 2019, he became a member of the prestigious "Ivan Francescato" National Academy, making his debut in the Italian Top League. In 2021, he returned to Petrarca and earned his first taste of top-tier Italian rugby with the first team.
Throughout his development, Di Bartolomeo showcased his versatility by playing various positions in the scrum, including prop and number eight. He even flirted with the idea of playing centre before ultimately finding his ideal fit as a hooker when he turned eighteen.
Di Bartolomeo already has experience donning the Zebre jersey, having made his debut in March 2022 during an away match against the Cell C Sharks. Furthermore, he has represented Italy at various youth levels, featuring in the special edition of the Six Nations tournament held in Cardiff in the summer of 2021, where he competed for the U17, U18, and U20 teams.
In 2022, Di Bartolomeo also had the opportunity to represent the Emerging Italy team, participating in matches against Romania and South Africa.
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Latest Comments
The difference between Fassi and Le Roux?
Almost 100 tests. Fassi is growing from test to test and is already world class. It’s going to be difficult for Damian Willemse to usurp Fassi at 15 and may find himself destined as the utility back on the bomb squad.
South Africans love hating on their fullback. A proud tradition since Percy Montgomery (before he won us a World Cup). So I don’t pay much mind to the noise that follows anyone who puts on the 15 jersey for SA.
15 is a high risk, low reward position. You don’t dare drop a high ball, certainly don’t shank a kick into the stands. In fact if you’re not kicking 60m torpedoes into the opposition corners - stay at home.
And miss tackles? After everyone else on the team has let a break through - best you not miss!
Only Andre Joubert strikes me as a fullback that has been better than Willie. Yet Willie has been widely panned on a regular basis. Irritating.
Fassi is great. And I’m sure he’s learning a lot from Willie.
Go to commentsNo, Penney's win rate as a Super Rugby coach BEFORE he was given a 2 year contract here, was 23%. He came in with a very poor success rate at SR level.
This loser vibe was borne out over the SR season where we won only 4 games while losing 10. Finishing 9th in a 12 team competition & missing a QF spot was next level DOWN.
There's zero evidence that suggests we will win 10 games (70%) as you predict. I understand there may be new assistant coaches coming on board. At this stage, we can only hope for the best.
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