Former Leicester prop Martin Castrogiovanni will return to the Italy team after suspension for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash against Wales in Cardiff.
Italy's demoralising RBS 6 Nations campaign has suffered another blow with influential Exeter centre Michele Campagnaro ruled out of Saturday's clash with Wales in Cardiff.
Rookie fly-half Edoardo Padovani has earned the right to leapfrog Kelly Haimona and lead Italy's backline against Ireland on Saturday, according to head coach Jacques Brunel.
Italy are holding out hope that hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini can beat his shoulder problem in time to face Ireland in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash in Dublin.
Amidst all the excitement of the Six Nations and the beginning of the Super Rugby season, it would be understandable if you didn’t realise the third round of the U20 Six Nations was being contended this past weekend.
Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw says he looked in his team-mates' eyes before taking on Italy in Rome and knew they would finally end their two-year search for an RBS 6 Nations win.
Italy skipper Sergio Parisse insists he is not arrogant enough to think the Azzurri are better than Scotland but is confident his side can triumph in Rome on Saturday.
England delivered the "good hiding" of Italy demanded by Eddie Jones to leave the Stadio Olimpico with a 40-9 victory that keeps alive their Grand Slam quest.
Italy have called Robert Barbieri and the uncapped Andrea Buondonno into their squad as injury cover ahead of Sunday's RBS 6 Nations match against England.