Stadio Zaffanella in Viadana becomes the 34th different venue to stage a Magners League game. Aironi Rugby made their bow with a 17-33 reversal at the hands of Munster at Musgrave Park on Saturday. Just one previous Irish team has visited the Stadio Zaffanella: Munster in the 2002/03 Heineken Cup, returning home with a 55-22 victory over Viadana.

Ulster have won their last three Magners League matches but have not begun a season with successive victories since 2006/07. The Ulstermen have won all four previous encounters against Italian sides (all against Benetton Treviso).

Assistant Referees: Stefano Penne, Stefano Roscini (both FIR).
TMO: Giulio Romano (FIR).

Live on Dahlia TV.