Match Preview | Zebre Parma

• 14 Oct 2021

Glasgow Warriors will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record against this weekend’s opposition in round four of the United Rugby Championship, as Danny Wilson’s side travels to Parma to take on Zebre.

After securing back-to-back victories over South African opponents with a 13-9 win over the Emirates Lions last time out, Saturday’s fixture marks the first meeting with a shield rival in the 2021/22 campaign.

Whilst Zebre remain winless in the competition so far, the Italian side can call upon a host of talented players across the field, and will pose a threat to the Warriors come kick-off.

So what should you know ahead of Saturday’s match?

We’re back at Scotstoun for one of our biggest matches of the season in just eight days’ time, as defending champions Leinster come to Glasgow in round five of the URC

Make sure to secure your seat and be there to roar on your Warriors next weekend ?
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) October 14, 2021

Previous Encounter

The Warriors were made to work for their win in the most recent meeting between the two sides, as three second-half tries eventually sealed a 31-20 victory at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi back in March.

Ross Thompson and Jamie Dobie both touched down for their first tries in Glasgow colours, with Nick Grigg and Player of the Match Thomas Gordon also crossing the whitewash.

Mattia Bellini registered both of the home side’s scores, with Paolo Pescetto adding 10 points with the boot.

Ones to watch

Despite his side still searching for their first win, Pierre Bruno has been a constant threat for the Italian outfit with ball in hand. The winger’s total of nine defenders beaten sees him sit in the top 10 rankings for the competition to date, as well as sitting eighth in the metres gained chart with 174 after three rounds.

Also making his mark in the URC stats charts is back-rower Giovanni Licata, who provides a key link between the physical Zebre pack and the flyers out wide. The 24-year-old’s total of five offloads sees him sit only three behind the league-leading total of Glasgow’s own Jack Dempsey, whilst also chipping in around the breakdown from his position on the flank.

Having succeeded the indomitable Sergio Parisse as Italy captain, Luca Bigi also plays a critical role in the middle of the Zebre front-row. The hooker – who turned 30 earlier this year – brings a wealth of top-flight experience to proceedings, as well as a technical nous at the set-piece.

Memorable Moment

A thumping 54-10 win away in Parma was the perfect way to mark Al Kellock’s 150^th appearance for Glasgow Warriors back in 2015, as the club continued it’s ultimately successful pursuit of a first-ever Guinness PRO12 title.

Pete Horne and current Assistant Coach Pete Murchie each crossed for a brace of tries, whilst DTH van der Merwe, Tim Swinson, Will Bordill and debutant Fraser Lyle also touched down on a crisp February afternoon.

Horne and Connor Braid contributed the remainder of the points from the tee, in what was a comprehensive performance from the Scotstoun side.

Match officials

Andrew Brace will take charge of Saturday’s afternoon, as the Irishman referees his 69^th match in the competition.

Riccardo Angelucci and Dario Merli will be on the touchlines as his assistants, with Leo Colgan on hand as the Television Match Official should he be required.

How to Watch

You can also follow all the action as and when it happens in our Live Match Centre, which can be found on glasgowwarriors.org roughly one hour before kick-off.

Date: Sat, Oct 16 | Kick-off IRE/UK: 13:00 | Italy: 14:00 | SA: 14:00

Here’s a little handy guide on how to watch Zebre Parma v Glasgow Warriors live where-ever you are in the world:

UK: Premier Sports. Click here to buy your Premier Sports subscription.

Ireland: Premier Sports & URC TV (English commentary), Premier Sports. Click here to buy your URC TV subscription.

Italy: Mediaset.

South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa: URC TV. Click here to buy your URC TV subscription.

USA: URC TV. Click here to buy your URC TV subscription.

Canada: Rogers.

Australia: URC TV. Click here to buy your URC TV subscription.

New Zealand: URC TV. Click here to buy your URC TV subscription.

Middle East & North Africa: Premier Sports and URC TV. Click here to buy your URC TV subscription.

South-East Asia: Premier Sports and URC TV. Click here to buy your URC TV subscription.

REST OF THE WORLD: Can’t find your country above? Click here to buy your URC TV subscription.

On-demand short highlights for all games will be available for free on URC TV.