4 November 2026
Italian prop Muhamed Hasa has acknowledged the massive challenge awaiting the Azzurri front row ahead of Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against South Africa at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
The 25-year-old Zebre loosehead prop is set to face the world champion Springboks for the first time in his international career. His inclusion comes as Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada head into the Springbok test without several injured first-choice players, including flank and captain Michele Lamaro, centres Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello, and winger Louis Lynagh.
The Springboks are renowned for their set-piece dominance and heavy forward pack. Hasa remained pragmatic about the task ahead during a media briefing in Turin, emphasising a focus on Italy's own internal execution rather than the reputation of the opposition.
“South Africa are arguably the best team in the world in that area,” the Zebre prop said at a media briefing in Turin. It’s going to be a challenge. We know their strengths, and we’re well aware that they’ll try to impose their style of play.”
The Albanian-born front-rower dismissed any excuses regarding the lengthy casualty list affecting the squad. He noted that the squad transition provides a testing ground for Italy's depth ahead of a demanding international schedule.
“We have some significant absentees, but at the same time, it creates an opportunity for other guys to step up,” he said.
The scrum remains a primary weapon for South Africa, frequently used to win penalties and dictate territory. Hasa identified the set piece as the foundational battleground that will decide the flow of the weekend's fixture.
“One of the key aspects of the match will undoubtedly be the scrum,” he added. “It’s going to be a tough match against the best teams in the world. We’re training well and staying focused on our own tasks and on the things we can control.”
Quesada's technical staff have focused heavily on scrum symmetry and binding techniques during training this week to counter the Bok pack. Italy will need to maintain absolute discipline to prevent the visitors from establishing early physical ascendancy.
“It’s going to be a challenge. We know their strengths, and we’re well aware that they’ll try to impose their style of play,” the Zebre prop concluded.