Zebre sign former Italy U20s hooker Tommaso Di Bartolomeo

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.