'Morale was not high': Bulked-up Lorenzo Pani back after 82 weeks in the cold

Italy back Lorenzo Pani admits he endured a difficult spell before earning his latest recall to the national squad ahead of next week’s Quilter Nations Series opener against Australia.

The 23-year-old Zebre Parma full-back, who last featured for the Azzurri in March 2024, said his time away from the international scene tested his resolve.

Pani has packed on an extra four kilos since he last played for Italy, the 6’3 winger now tipping the scales at 96kg.

“It was a hard period. I had a lot of time to think and I don’t hide that I went through moments when morale was not high,” said Pani. “However, I never gave up and I always tried to find new stimuli to return as soon as possible. I grew physically, it was one of the goals I had set for myself.”

Pani’s last Test appearance came in Italy’s 24-21 win over Wales in Cardiff, where he scored what was later voted the best try of the 2024 Six Nations. Having missed over a year of international action, his inclusion under Gonzalo Quesada marks a fresh chance to re-establish himself in the Azzurri backline.

“The call to the national team was almost a surprise,” he said. “I am really happy to be part of this group and the trust that the staff has in me. Even the slightest chance of wearing the Azzurri jersey… it’s a great feeling. I hoped to return as soon as possible.”

Italy face the Wallabies on November 8 at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine. “Today we had a much more intense training, already focusing on the match against Australia,” added Pani. “We’re all focused on making our debut in the Quilter Nations Series.”