Former Notre Dame All American Nick Civetta has signed with Viadana in Italy’s top pro rugby competition, the Eccellenza.

Civetta played his first pro season last year, starting virtually every game at lock for Lazio 1927. Civetta was a solid contributor to Lazio and helped pull them out of relegation contention and up to 8th in the 11-team league. But singing with Viadana is an upgrade for the 6-8 Civetta, as his new club is coming off an 11-8-1 season where they made the Eccellenza semifinals.

“I think it’s going to be good, a very professional club,” Civetta told Goff Rugby Report.

Civetta said he is settling down to life in Italy, despite the shift from Rome to the Northern part of the country. He is starting to get better at the language, too.

“I’ve been here for ten months and I think I am in a good place,” said the Eagle hopeful. “I would say I am conversationally proficient.”

After getting a look with the Eagles Civetta has yet to claim a full international cap. That is something on his list for this year.