You Don't Know Me: Mirco Bergamasco

When the Azzurri line up at Barlow Park in Cairns for their opening World Cup game against the Irish Wolfhounds this October, no player will have more experience representing Italy on the international arena than Mirco Bergamasco.

ITA

In the lead up to the tournament, we have a look at some of the less known players who are promising to make an impact later this year.

Whilst only making his Rugby League debut late last year, 34 year old Bergamasco brings to the field a wealth of international experience after representing the other Azzurri, the Italian Rugby Union national team, 89 times between 2002 and 2012.

A goal kicking centre / three-quarter, Bergamasco first made his international debut in Rugby Union in 2002 against France in the Six Nations and would become a regular in the Test side for the next decade, featuring in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 Rugby Union World Cups.

Over that decade, Mirco amassed over 250 points for the national team, and was instrumental to his nation recording some historic victories, including their 2011 Six Nations victory over France.

After starting his career for Italian club, Petraca Padova, Mirco moved to France playing for Paris clubs, Stade Francais and Racing Metro before returning to Italy with Rovigo Delta and finishing his Rugby Union club career in the USA with Sacramento Express.

Looking for new challenges, Mirco saw an opportunity to try his hand at Rugby League shortly after his time in Sacramento, and signed up with the Saluzzo North West Roosters who were preparing to play in the French Rugby League’s National Division Two competition.

Despite only limited experience playing Rugby League, Mirco was included in Italy’s World Cup qualifier games against Serbia and Wales, converting seven goals in the game in Belgrade.

Mirco missed out on the play-off match against Russia due to injury, however was back in the Italian line up in 2016 for their games against Lebanon and Serbia, adding another 26 points to his national tally.

A proud Italian and a proven international performer, Mirco is set to be one of the proudest players singing the Il Canto degli Italiani at this year’s World Cup.

Player Facts

Name: Mirco Bergamasco
Nation: Italy
Club: Saluzzo South West Roosters
Position: Centre
Born: 23 February 1983
Height: 180cm
Weight: 86kg