Italy v Springboks latest: Gonzalo Quesada hit with injury crisis ahead of South Africa showdown as head coach prepares for ‘one of the greatest challenges’

Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada has named a wider 33-man squad to prepare to face the Springboks this weekend, but it comes with the Azzurri in the midst of a major injury crisis.

Italy have confirmed 15 key men are unavailable through injury for the upcoming Test in Turin, a list that includes Ignacio Brex, Sebastian Negri, Tommaso Menoncello and captain Michele Lamaro.

The Azzurri come into the opening Test against the Boks in search of an improved record, after finishing July’s Nations Championship block bottom of the Northern Hemisphere table with three losses.

Italy name extended squad for Springboks clash