Italy's two United Rugby Championship clubs took noticeably different approaches to the transfer market this summer, but both Benetton Rugby and Zebre Parma enter the 2026-27 campaign hoping to continue the upward trajectory of Italian professional rugby.
Benetton remains Italy's flagship club after another season competing for playoff positions, while Zebre Parma continues building one of the youngest squads in the competition. The transfer window reflected those ambitions. Benetton looked overseas to strengthen its spine with talent from Australia, South Africa and Argentina, while Zebre doubled down on developing Italian players by bringing in several of the country's brightest domestic prospects.
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The moves also come during an important cycle for the Italian national team. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, both clubs will once again serve as the primary pipeline for Azzurri selection, making every signing and departure significant for both the URC and Italy's long-term future.
Benetton Looks Abroad To Stay In The Playoff Hunt
Benetton once again cast a wide recruiting net.
The Treviso club added South African fly-half Jean Smith from the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Australian scrum-half Louis Werchon from the Reds and Hurricanes lock Isaia Walker-Leawere to strengthen the core of the squad. Australian center Josh Flook and Argentine prop Gonzalo Hughes also headline an impressive international recruiting class.
The additions help offset several notable departures.
Veteran prop Thomas Gallo leaves for Lyon, Eli Snyman joins Ulster, while promising Italian youngsters Tommaso Menoncello, Roberto Fasti, David Luisato and Matteo Noventa all move on as Benetton continues balancing immediate success with long-term player development.
Zebre Parma Continues Investing In Young Italian Talent
Zebre again focused heavily on Italy's domestic player pathway.
The Parma-based club added hooker Francisco Minervino, back-row Jacopo Botturi, scrum-half Lorenzo Citton and fly-half Tommaso Allan, along with several promising young forwards from Petrarca and Racing 92.
Rather than making splashy international signings, Zebre continued investing in developing Italian-qualified talent, a strategy that has become central to both the club's identity and the growth of the national team.
Italy Loses More Experience
While both clubs added quality, several experienced players departed during the offseason.
Benetton lost established internationals including Thomas Gallo and Eli Snyman, while Zebre saw veteran players such as Shilo Klein, Gonzalo Garcia and Enrico Lucchin leave the club.
Even so, both organizations retained much of their young core through contract extensions, providing continuity as Italy continues producing one of the youngest groups of professional players in the URC.
The Italian Derby Could Mean More Than Ever
The transfer activity leaves both clubs entering the season with intriguing storylines.
Benetton appears intent on remaining Italy's leading challenger for a playoff berth by supplementing its established core with experienced international additions. Zebre continues betting on youth, hoping another wave of emerging Italian talent can accelerate the club's steady improvement.
Their two Italian Derby meetings during the 2026-27 season will once again provide an important measuring stick—not only for the clubs themselves but also for the continued progress of Italian rugby ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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