YORK City Knights' on-loan threequarter James Saltonstall has been named in Italy's train-on squad for their European Championship 'B' opener against Ukraine on July 5.

Former Knights player-boss Paul Broadbent, who has taken on the head coach role for the Azzurri having assisted Carlo Napolitano during last autumn's World Cup, has named an initial 39-man party for the game in Gemona.

With Australia-based Italians not involved, the bulk of the squad come from Italy's domestic competition, including full-back Fabrizio Ciaurro, the Euro Shield player of the tournament last year, and back-rower Gioele Celerino, who both played in the historic World Cup warm-up game against England, alongside Warrington Wolves youngster Saltonstall.

Gloucestershire All Golds half-back Matt Bradley and South Wales Scorpions' Chris Vitalini are two other British based players included.

Italy assistant-coach Kelly Rolleston said: “This year’s European Championship gives us a chance to continue the good work done here over the last few years.

“We expect a very competitive tournament with newcomers Ukraine showing some excellent form in their opening matches with Russia and Serbia.

"Our aim is to blood more young players into our squad and with some new U18 activity we hope to bring our best young players up to an international standard.”