RLWC2021 – Fiji v Italy: Team news, how to watch on TV & predictions

James Gordon
Fiji v Italy

Everything you need to know – Fiji v Italy

Italy return to Kingston Park a week on from their win over Scotland knowing a repeat will see them through to the quarter-finals.

They face a Fiji side who will be keen to continue their run of three consecutive World Cup semi-finals.

Retired Hull KR prop Korbin Sims has been drafted in to the Fiji squad, after three players were ruled out through injury.

Coach Wise Kativerata was proud of his side’s efforts in defeat to Australia last week, where they took the lead early on before losing 42-8.

Match details

  • Fiji v Italy
  • Date: Saturday 22nd October
  • Kick-off time: 2.30pm
  • Venue: Kingston Park, Newcastle
  • Group B

Fiji v Italy team news

Fiji 19-man squad: 1. Sunia Turuva, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Korbin Sims, 4. Kevin Naiqama, 5. Mitili Vulikijapani, 6. Sitiveni Moceidreke, 7. Brandon Wakeham, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Ben Nakubuwai, 11. Taniela Sadrugu, 12. Viliame Kikau, 13. Tui Kamikamica, 14. Penioni Tagituimua, 16. Lamar Manuel-Liolevave, 17. King Vuniyayawa, 18. Netane Masima, 19. Semi Valemei, 22. Siua Wong, 24. Vuate Karawalevu.

Italy 19-man squad: 1. Luke Polselli, 2. Richard Lepori, 3. Daniel Atkinson, 4. Ethan Natoli, 5. Jake Maizen, 6. Jack Campagnolo, 7. Radean Robinson, 8. Alec Susino, 9. Dean Parata, 10. Anton Iaria, 11. Ryan King, 12. Brenden Santi, 13. Nathan Brown, 14. Joseph Tramontana, 15. Luca Moretti, 17. Rinaldo Palumbo, 18. Kyle Pickering, 19. Luke Hodge, 20. Jack Colovatti.

What the two camps are saying

Fiji coach Wise Kativerata said: “We’ve got a really good chance (of going far in the tournament). We showed last week what we’ve got. There were a lot of positives, and I think these boys will rise to the occasion. 90% of our boys play in the NRL.”

Italy captain Nathan Brown said: “It’s a privilege to captain my country and a proud moment for Italian rugby league.

“We had a good preparation and all the boys believed we could do it. We said all week we wanted to play for our families and for each other and we did that.”

How can I watch the game on TV?

Every game across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup tournaments is being broadcast by the BBC.

Fiji v Italy is being shown on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Red Button, with coverage starting at 2.10pm for a 2.30pm kick-off.

READ: How to watch every Rugby League World Cup game on the BBC

Odds and predictions

Fiji go into this game as favourites with Planet Sport Bet at 1/10, while Italy at 13/2. A tie is priced at 28/1.

A win would see Italy make it out of the group stages for the first time. All to play for. Tough to call this one.

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