Early debut on cards for Matt

ITALIAN World Cup star Matteo Minozzi could make his Wasps debut as soon as the Gallagher Premiership round two fixture against Gloucester.

The summer-signing from Pro14 club Zebre briefly joined up with his new club-mates before jetting off for the Azzurri’s training camp.

Minozzi (right) ended his year-long absence following a major knee injury when he featured in the warm-up match against Ireland before exploding into life against Russia, running in a hat-trick of tries. He also started on the wing against

France before heading out to Japan.

The 23-year-old was a try scorer in Italy’s wins over Namibia and Canada but his tournament was to end on a disappointing note, starting with a 49-3 defeat to South Africa before their final Pool B clash against New Zealand was cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis prompting an early flight home.

“We were giving him this week off as he would’ve played at the weekend,” said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young, whose side face London Irish in their Premiership opener this Sunday.

“We want him in Coventry on the weekend, whether that’s Saturday, Sunday or whatever, so he is reporting for training for next week.

“Whether he will be involved for next week is probably doubtful unless we’ve got injuries, or he comes in and hits the ground really running.”

The announcement confirming Minozzi as a future Wasps player came midway through his recover from an ACL injury suffered in August 2018. His right leg remained heavily strapped in his latest six international appearances but Young is expecting his man to head to the Midlands in good condition.

“We know he can play, he’s probably not back to his best yet, he certainly showed glimpses there of what we are hoping he is going to bring us,” added Young.

“Fitness levels are not going to be an issue, it’s just getting used to all the calls and the options.”