Walking into the 2025‑26 campaign, the Italian side has reshaped its roster like never before. The most eye‑catching arrivals are Francesco Ruffolo from Colorno, French‑trained centre David Odiase from Oyonnax, and versatile back Giulio Bertaccini, who earned a reputation for breaking tackles at Valorugby Emilia. Adding to that, Albert Einstein Batista and Mirko Belloni bring grit from the domestic league, while Samuele Locatelli’s experience at Viadana gives depth on the wing.
High‑profile signings also include scrum‑half Martin Roger Farias, who impressed in the Italian Super Cup with Viadana, and forward Alessandro Ortomina, fresh from a tough season at Perpignan. The club secured Marco Zanon from Benetton, hoping his line‑out expertise will shore up the second row, and Argentine flanker Franco Carrera, a former Pampas XV stalwart, adds physicality to the back‑row. Together, these moves signal a clear intent: build a squad that can compete on several fronts.
Departures have been equally notable. Lock Danilo Fischetti’s move to Northampton Saints and Italy captain Andrea Zambonin’s switch to Exeter Chiefs leave a leadership void. Prop Luca Bigi’s return to Valorugby Emilia and centre Luca Andreani’s release further thin the front‑row options. The exits of Fetuli Paea (Dragons), Gerónimo Prisciantelli (Racing 92) and several others mean the new players will need to hit the ground running.
The URC calendar is unforgiving. Zebre Parma opens home against the DHL Stormers on 18 October, a match that will test the new back‑line’s speed against South African firepower. A week later, the squad faces a daunting trip to Leinster’s Trailfinders Sports Club, a test of stamina and set‑piece precision.
Mid‑season fixtures bring familiar rivals. The November clash with Cardiff Rugby at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi offers a chance to rack up points before the holiday sprint against Benetton Rugby – first away on 20 December, then a return home a week later. Those games are crucial; they double as a barometer for how the new signings are adapting.
January brings the Scottish challenge: an away game at Scotstoun against Glasgow Warriors on 3 January followed by a home showdown on 24 January. The early season run also includes a test against the Ospreys on 11 October and the Emirates Lions on 5 October, matches that provide a mix of high‑tempo Southern Hemisphere play and European tactical battles.
As of the latest standings, the side sits 15th with two wins from nine outings. Coach Massimo Brunello has stressed the need for consistency, pointing to the Shield competition and the EPCR Challenge Cup as platforms for squad rotation and growth. The Shield pits them against Scottish clubs, offering a different style of play that could sharpen defensive structures, while the Challenge Cup promises exposure to elite European opposition.
Fans can track ticket availability on the club’s official site, with match times listed in Italian local time. With a revamped roster, a grueling fixture list, and multiple trophies to chase, the season will be a true trial of depth and determination for Zebre Parma.