With their first pre-season 'friendly' against Redruth behind them, the Cornish Pirates can be expected to step up a gear this week when on Saturday they face strong Italian 'Super 10' team Almaviva Capitolina at the Recreation Ground, Camborne (ko 5pm).

The Rome-based Capitolina side gained promotion to the Super 10 in 2006, which was a superb achievement for a team that was founded just 10 years earlier. They are clearly a developing Italian and European force, and although they will arrive without Argentine prop Santiago Bonorino, who has recently joined Leicester Tigers, they still have a healthy number of quality players in their squad who have performed on the international stage.

Senior internationals will include such as wing Mischele Sepe (Italy) and prop Ferdinando Guatieri (Argentina). There are also a sprinkling of Italy 'A' and Argentina 'A' internationals, a former Cheetahs 'Super 14' flanker in the shape of Bian Vermaak, plus utility back Luke Myring who has played for England U21s and Northampton Saints. Also, providing evidence that theirs is fast developing team, they have a number of Italy U20 internationals, including last season's Six Nations captain Alberto Chiesa.

At senior level the Pirates have played a team from Italy just once before, it an occasion when Associazione Sportiva Rugby Milano visited on the 1st September, 1959. Now, 49 years later,  all will be delighted to see a team from the Azzurri once again, with the club and supporters ready to extend the warmest of welcomes to everyone associated with Almaviva Capitolina.

Tickets for Saturday's game, although available on the day, can be purchased in advance by contacting the club ticket office 01736-331961. Admission to the ground/east stand is just £5 (accompanied children under 16 are 'free'), and the main grandstand a reasonable £10.

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