Los Pumas are in Italy for their second Nations Championship match, yet preparations have been shaped by injuries and medical assessments. Argentina face the hosts on Saturday 14 November at 8:40am Argentine time at Genoa’s Luigi Ferraris stadium. After a 42-12 defeat by Ireland, Felipe Contepomi needs a competitive response while rebuilding some of the most sensitive areas of his team.
The main focus is Julián Montoya. The captain suffered a heavy blow to the head during the match in Dublin and entered the concussion protocol, a process that requires him to clear several stages before being approved to play. His uncertainty combines with Ignacio Ruiz’s injury and initially leaves Leonel Oviedo as the only available hooker. The coaching staff therefore added Bautista Bernasconi and Facundo Bosch.
Bosch’s call carries particular meaning. The Bayonne player has not represented Argentina since 21 November 2021 and returns to consideration during an emergency week for the front row. Bernasconi, who plays for Benetton, brings direct knowledge of Italian rugby. Their additions do not reveal the final line-up, but they supply essential alternatives while the staff waits to learn whether Montoya can complete the protocol.
Changes also affect the backfield and scrum. Juan Cruz Mallía sprained the same right knee that had troubled him previously and was ruled out of the tour; Zebre fullback Tobías Wade took his place in the squad. Benetton prop Matías Medrano replaced Rodrigo Martínez. Facundo Isa also rejoined the group after appearing for Pau in the French Top 14.
Argentina arrive in Genoa fourth in the southern hemisphere section with seven points, behind Australia on eight and ahead of Japan and Fiji. The distance from New Zealand and South Africa, both on 20, means the Dublin loss was not isolated in table terms: every round affects the opponent for finals weekend. On the current projection Los Pumas would meet Scotland, although remaining matches can still alter that pairing.
Italy also need to recover. Gonzalo Quesada’s side lost 66-7 to South Africa and remain without a point, so the match brings together two teams required to improve their defensive accuracy. The Italian squad includes former Puma Domingo Miotti, adding a layer of mutual familiarity. Luigi Ferraris will provide a demanding setting as the hosts try to use home advantage to repair a painful opening performance.
For Contepomi, the challenge is not merely to replace names. The front row must protect the scrum, the defence has to reduce the space conceded against Ireland and the team needs to recover continuity in possession before its following appointment against France. Montoya’s progress will organise part of those decisions, but the match demands collective answers. Genoa is a test of character, depth and adaptability for a squad enduring its most unstable week of the tournament.
