Benetton Aim to Rebound as Champions Glasgow Visit Treviso”

October 03, 2025
1412
Ultimate Rugby

Having put their opening-round defeat to Connacht behind them, Benetton Rugby are set for their second outing of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship. On Saturday, October 4, at 6:30 p.m., the Lions will welcome the Glasgow Warriors to Stadio Monigo in Treviso for a Round 2 clash. Glasgow, the reigning 2024 URC champions, have long been regarded as one of the league’s most formidable sides.

After a hard-fought 26–15 loss in Galway, Benetton are eager to rebound in front of their home supporters in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter. Franco Smith’s Glasgow arrive in Treviso with an experienced squad, a well-drilled system, and confidence high after opening their season with a 35–19 victory over the Sharks.

Under head coach Calum MacRae, Benetton are looking to strengthen their identity and will rely heavily on home advantage to apply pressure on the Scots and establish momentum for the season ahead.

Match Officials:
The game will be refereed by Welshman Ben Connor, assisted by Italians Franco Rosella and Lorenzo Pedezzi. Aled Griffiths, also from Wales, will serve as the TMO.

Head-to-Head Record:
The two clubs have met 27 times in the competition. Glasgow have claimed 20 victories, while Benetton have won seven.

Benetton Rugby Team Selection:
Head coach Calum MacRae has confirmed several changes from last week’s lineup.

Backline: Matt Gallagher retains his place at fullback, with Louis Lynagh continuing on the right wing and Paolo Odogwu returning on the left. The midfield partnership of Tommaso Menoncello and Malakai Fekitoa remains unchanged. Jacob Umaga starts again at fly-half, while Alessandro Garbisi takes charge at scrum-half.
Forwards: Mirco Spagnolo comes into the starting XV at loosehead prop, joining Siua Maile at hooker and Simone Ferrari at tighthead. Riccardo Favretto partners Eli Snyman in the second row. In the back row, captain Michele Lamaro is joined by Alessandro Izekor on the flanks, with So’otala Fa’aso’o anchoring the scrum at No. 8.

15 Matt Gallagher (10)
14 Louis Lynagh (9)
13 Tommaso Menoncello (62)
12 Malakai Fekitoa (32)
11 Paolo Odogwu (21)
10 Jacob Umaga (57)
9 Alessandro Garbisi (70)
8 So'otala Fa'aso'o (1)
7 Michele Lamaro (83) (C)
6 Alessandro Izekor (53)
5 Eli Snyman (62)
4 Riccardo Favretto (58)
3 Simone Ferrari (124)
2 Siua Maile (37)
1 Mirco Spagnolo (35)

Available: 16 Nicholas Gasperini*, 17 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro (36), 18 Giosué Zilocchi (32), 19 Niccolò Cannone (92), 20 Lorenzo Cannone (57), 21 Louis Werchon (1), 22 Giuliano Avaca (2), 23 Rhyno Smith (75).

()= appearances in green and white.

*= debutant

Head Coach : Calum MacRae.

Unavailable : Tomas Albornoz, Ignacio Mendy, Sebastian Negri, Ivan Nemer, Federico Ruzza, Scott Scrafton, Federico Zanandrea, Manuel Zuliani

Referee: Ben Connor (WRU)
Assistants: Franco Rosella and Lorenzo Pedezzi (FIR).
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU).