Italy's premier domestic competition plays its eleventh round this weekend, another round of games just days after resuming the tournament for the New Year. The tenth round, also known as the "Epiphany matches" saw some big upsets despite some matches being cancelled due to the frozen blanket that has descended over Europe.

Prato is newly promoted to the Super 10 after a strong season in the Serie A.  They beat L’Aquila to gain their place at Italy’s top table, and sit in the top half of the competition table.

But the Tuscan based club truly shocked the league with an outstanding 30-24 win last round against reigning champions, log leaders and Heineken Cup participants Benetton Treviso – in Treviso.

This victory came after Prato had a shocking start to the year when they were docked competition points for fielding an ineligible player, and are one of many sides that could lift the title this year.

Rugby Roma, five times champions of the Super 10 (last win was in 2000), beat Parma to join them on third position on the log.  After a poor showing last season, the Rome based club is looking the part of one of the oldest club in the country.

Round eleven’s matches, played five days after the recent clashes, are still under a cloud, with two of last rounds games called off due to snow.

The reigning champions Treviso travel north to play Padova, in what is one of the great Italian head to head clashes.  Even Padova (sitting in seventh position) will be able to put pressure on the ladder leaders. 

The match between Prato and Roma will also hold much interest, as both teams are considered by the Italians to be surprise packets of this year’s competition.

Round 10 results

Plusvalore Gran Parma v Petrarca Padova, postponed because of the snow
MPS Viadana v Ferla L'Aquila, postponed because of the snow
Casinò di Venezia vs Femi-CZ Rovigo, 16-12
Futura Park Rugby Roma v Banca Monte Parma, 12-6
Consiag I Cavalieri Prato vs Benetton Treviso , 30-24

Round 11 fixtures

Ferla L'Aquila 1936 vs Plusvalore Gran Parma
Consiag I Cavalieri Prato vs Futura Park Rugby Roma
Petrarca Padova vs Benetton Treviso
Casinò di Venezia vs MPS Viadana
Parma 1931 vs Femi CZ Rovigo

Log after Round 10

1. Benetton Treviso, 35 points, 7 wins, 3 losses, diff +127
2. MPS Viadana, 30 points, 6 wins, 3 losses, diff +103
3. Futura Park Rugby Roma 27 points, 5 wins, 5 losses, diff +43
4. Banca Monte Parma, 27 points, 5 wins, 5 losses, diff +23
5. Consiag I Cavalieri Prato, 25 points, 6 wins, 4 losses, diff +38
6. Femi CZ-Rovigo, 25 points, 4 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses, diff 0
7. Petrarca Padova 24 points, 5 wins, 4 losses, diff -8
8. Ferla L'Aquila 14 points, 3 wins, 6 losses, diff -44
9. Casinò di Venezia 12 points, 2 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses, diff -171
10. Plusvalore Gran Parma 11 points, 2 wins, 1 draw, 6 losses

Leading points scorers: G. Wakarua (Consiag I Cavalieri Prato) 136 points; Fraser (Ferla L'Aquila) 103, Irving (Banca Monte Parma) 73; Fresh (Futura Park Rugby Roma) 72; Mercier (Petrarca Padova) 70; Basson (-Femi CZ Rovigo) 68; Tebaldi (Plusvalore Gran Parma) and Pilat (Casino of Venice) 65; Bustos G. (Femi-CZ Rovigo) 59; Goosen (Benetton Treviso) 51; Botes (Benetton Treviso) 48; Woodrow (MPS Viadana) 35 (Femi CZ Rovigo-) 59; Goosen (Benetton Treviso) 51; Botes (Benetton Treviso) 48, Woodrow (MPS Viadana) 35