Italy will play Chile, who have just qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, rather than Samoa, as part of their November test series, the Italian federation (FIR) said on Thursday.
This decision "following a request by Samoa, reflects the evolving priorities for both Chile and Samoa as they navigate their respective pathways towards RWC 2027 qualification," the FIR said.
Chile booked their ticket to the World Cup in Australia last month following a two-leg play-off victory against Samoa.
That left Samoa facing a 2027 World Cup final qualification tournament in Dubai from November 8-18 – which coincides with the November tests.
Gonzalo Quesada's Italy will host Australia on November 8 in Udine, South Africa a week later in Turin, followed by Chile on November 22 in Genoa.
The fixture will mark an historic first test between Italy and Chile.
The qualified teams for the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 🏆
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 1, 2025
One place is still up for grabs ahead of the draw on the 3rd of December ✍️#RWC2027 pic.twitter.com/Ux854wdqqv