The AlmavivA UR Capitolina prop has been called into coach Pierre Berbiziers squad ahead of the clash with Australia on November 11.

He said: ''I am a rugby player who has been stolen from basketball.

''In fact, at the age of 14 I was playing for Sebastiani Rieti when the president of Mirteto rugby convinced me to try out with the team.

''It was love at first sight. I'm so proud to switch from basketball to this fantastic sport.

''My career has moved on rapidly, and given me a great deal of satisfaction - and a lot of changes of club, although I have remained in Rome.

''A year with Corese, then a year with Cus Rome and two years with Rugby Rome, and the last four with Capitolina Rome, culminated in a promotion to the Super 10 at the end of last season.

''I received my first call-up for the Azzurri three years ago, for the youth team.

''Certainly, I'm dreaming of the chance to play at international level with the senior side.

''But I have to take into account the fact Italy have great international props at the moment, so I have to be patient.''