He was crucial in Zebre's first win of the season, against an unbeaten Edinburgh team, and he backed that performance with a man-of-the-match showing in Zebre's first-ever bonus-point triumph over Cardiff Blues last Saturday.
The son of a former rugby player capped at junior level, Canna was raised in the Benevento setup but matured into a well-rounded attacking playmaker under Pasquale Presutti in his three years at Fiamme Oro, becoming one of the key players of the team that won an Italian Cup in 2014 before reaching an unexpected Eccellenza (the main Italian championship) semi-final last season.
At the end of last year he won the Best Player of the Tournament Award and got a call from the Italia Emergenti side (Italy's national 'B' team) in June, eventually shining at the Tbilisi Cup in Georgia as the leading point-scorer.
Then came the call from Jacques Brunel, desperately in need of a fly-half to pair with starter Tommy Allan after Luciano Orquera's retirement and Kelly Haimona's injury during the last Six Nations, that pushed Canna straight on the Rugby World Cup stage.
"Wow that was huge," reveals Canna. "Being part of the Italian team at the Rugby World Cup was simply incredible. I was there with the best players on the planet, something I would have never imagined just a few months ago."
But even if he was not often called upon by Brunel, his rugby did catch the eye as his attacking-oriented style was a positive surprise.
"I am a player who loves to play ball in hand, looking for a break in the opposition line," he added.
"Having said that, I know that there's a lot I have to work on, my body first and my control in the tactical kicking game and from the tee. That in particular is crucial for a team like Zebre that historically don't score many tries."
Zebre's problems in the red zone have been one of the main causes of concern during their time in the GUINNESS PRO12.
But after a rough start, the Edinburgh game and the bonus-point win against the Blues were signs of a possible turnaround.
"Yes, that win against Edinburgh was for sure a huge one for us," confirmed Canna.
"It was more of a defensive effort that gave us the chance to stay in the match and to score the key points at the right time to get the win."
While the win against Edinburgh was crucial to get the first points of the season, it was the four-try performance against the Blues that impressed the most.
In Parma, Canna admits that Dries van Schalkwyk's brace gave Zebre a huge injection of confidence that they will look to take into this weekend' trip to Ospreys.
"Dries is a very important piece of our organization," added Canna.
"I didn't know he was so special when I arrived in Parma. He's an example, both on and off the pitch, for all the young guys there.
"He is a natural leader that gives his 110 per cent every time he wears our shirt. He's a player to watch and to admire for what he does both in defence and with ball in hand."
With nine points, Zebre now sit ninth in the GUINNESS PRO12 standings, level on points with the Dragons, and are five clear of last place.
"Our goal is to get better and better, so last season is our main benchmark," added the youngster.
"We want to improve. Obviously finishing above Benetton Treviso would be very good because it would give us a spot in the next Champions Cup."
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Guinness PRO12 Zebre News
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