Richie Murphy's side will be aiming to bounce back quickly following Round 13's 19-26 defeat against Connacht at Affidea Stadium.
Ulster were left disappointed to have only secured a losing bonus point at home after a tight interprovincial battle against the Westerners, who edged the contest by one score.
With a number of massive matches coming up in the season run-in, this weekend gives Ulster the chance to quickly flip the script against a Zebre side who will be feeling confident off the back of Italy's strong Guinness Six Nations.
The Italians are having a difficult season, but will feel confident of putting in a good performance at home with the potential return of their Italian internationals.
Match Details
🤝 Zebre Parma v Ulster Rugby
🗓 Friday 28th March 2026, Kick Off 19:45
🏟 Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 14
📺 Live on Premier Sports and URC.tv
How Things Stand
Following Round 13, Ulster are in a strong position in the race for the last eight of the URC, sitting in third position on 42 points.
Zebre find themselves rooted to the bottom of the URC, with 12 points after 13 Rounds.
Fixture Rewind
Zebre Parma 36-40 Ulster Rugby, BKT United Rugby Championship, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, 21 October 2023,
Ulster last trip to Parma resulted in a thrilling victory for the away side in a high scoring match at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Both teams scored six tries each in a game that went back and forth throughout.
Jake Flannery, Michael Lowry and Jacob Stockdale were all on the scoresheet for Ulster during first half, but the Italians had secured themselves an early try bonus point going into halftime with a lead of 26-21.
After the break, Zebre would score their fifth try and Ulster had a ten point gap to make up.
Tom Stewart finished off a well worked move to edge closer once again at 31-28.
Then Ulster took the lead through Jacob Stockdale's second on the hour mark, making the scoreline 31-33.
In the 67th minute, Ulster went to their powerful maul and Tom Stewart peeled off for his second and Ulster's sixth. Nathan Doak's excellent conversion added the two points to make it 31-40.
Wing, Simone Gesi, would score a late unconverted try to put the match to within a score, however Ulster were able to hold out under significant pressure from the Italians to take home the five points on the day.
Players to Watch
Giacomo Da Re:
Da Re has represented his country at multiple levels and made his senior international debut in 2022, later earning selection for the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad. His skillset, game management, goal-kicking accuracy, and positional flexibility has made him a valuable squad option for both club and country.
Since joining Zebre Parma in 2024, he has scored points regularly and helping to guide a developing backline. Still only 26, Da Re is viewed as part of Italy’s next generation of playmakers, with the potential to grow into a consistent international.
Alessandro Fusco
Fusco joined Zebre Parma in 2022 and has since become a key figure in their squad. Known for his speed around the breakdown, accurate passing, and ability to inject tempo into attacking phases, he offers a modern scrum-half profile.
On the international stage, Fusco has represented Italy national rugby union team since making his senior debut in 2021. He was part of Italy’s squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and more recently played for Italy during their impressive 2026 Guinness Six Nations, gaining valuable experience against top-tier opposition.
Lorenzo Pani:
Lorenzo Pani is an exciting young Italian back-three player currently representing Zebre Parma and the Italian national team. He primarily plays as a fullback but is equally effective on the wing, offering pace, agility, and strong counter-attacking ability. Known for his attacking instinct and finishing ability, he gained wider recognition during the 2024 Six Nations, where his try against Wales was voted the best of the tournament.
