By Zim Sport Live Writer
Reigning Rugby Africa Cup champions Zimbabwe are set to host Italy in a high profile Test on June 28, according to the Italian rugby website On Rugby.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) and their Italian counterparts are yet to officially confirm the tie but according to Rugby ON negotiations between the two nations are still in progress.
For the Sables, the match against a World Rugby tier one nation would form part of their preparations for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in July.
The Sables are also scheduled to host South Korea for a reciprocal tour after their succesful maiden tour of the Asian nation last November.
Zimbabwe need to defend their Rugby Africa Cup title in Uganda to qualify for their first Rugby World Cup since 1991.
For the Italians, who have Marondera-born Sebsatian Negri in their squad, the match against Zimbabwe on June 28 will help them prepare for their two matches against South Africa in July.
Italy and Zimbabwe have faced each other three times in official matches, all won by the Azzurri.
The first two challenges date back to the 1985 tour: Italy won the first challenge 25-6 in at Hartsfield Bulawayo, recovering from the initial advantage of the home team .
In the second match, Italy won by a narrow margin of 12-10 in Harare.
The Italians also played a series of matches against local provincial sides Mashonaland, Matabeleland and Midlands during the 1985 tour.
The official last match between Zimbabwe and Italy dates back to 1989 in Treviso, where Italy won very easily: 6 tries scored by Marcello Cuttitta (double), Capitani, Reale, De Bernardo and a penalty try, with 3 conversions and a penalty kick by Troiani.
The Italians last toured Zimbabwe in 1997 when they sent their ‘A’ side for a series of five matches including a high-profile friendly against a Zimbabwe Select side which they lost 52-39 at Police Grounds in Harare.