Giacomo Ferrari

A relentless presence at the breakdown, Giacomo Ferrari has grown into one of the forwards Zebre Parma lean on most heavily in the contact area. The Italian flanker, born on 22 January 2002, is a loose forward defined by his work rate and a strong defensive presence, having progressed through his country's rugby pathway to become a key figure for the Parma-based side. Ferrari came up through the Italian development system, where his physicality and engine marked him out as a back-row prospect. For Zebre he plays a demanding role in the United Rugby Championship and European competition, fronting up to bigger, more experienced packs and contesting hard for every possession. His game centres on the unglamorous essentials - tackling, cleaning out and competing at the ruck - that give a side its platform. As part of the wider effort to deepen Italy's forward stocks, Ferrari has featured in the national team's training environment, a reflection of the regard in which his work ethic is held. Still developing, he profiles as a durable, combative flanker whose value lies in consistency and a willingness to do the hard yards. As his exposure at the top level grows, his carrying and breakdown work are expected to round out further, strengthening both Zebre's pack and Italy's back-row depth.