Four changes as Bradley looks ahead

Italy U-21 v Ireland U-21: Rovigo (6.30, Irish time) The Ireland team shows four changes to the side that beat Scotland 13-5 in the opening Six Nations under-21 Championship match for the game against Italy tonight. Captain and loosehead prop John Lyne, injured against the Scots, is replaced by Old Crescent's Eugene McGovern.

There is two changes in the back line with Michael Rainey coming in at outhalf in preference to Terenure's David McAllister and Fiach O'Loughlin replacing Conor O'Loughlin at scrumhalf. Neil McComb wins a berth in the engine room ahead of Cork Constitution's Shane O'Connor. O'Connor and McAllister drop to the bench. Belfast Harlequins prop Declan Fitzpatrick and promising young centre/wing John Hearty have been added to the replacements.

Coach Michael Bradley, in his first season in charge, will be looking to his charges to set down a marker for tougher days ahead. He will be looking to building a foundation for the SANZAR World Cup in Paris this summer and that should begin tonight.

ITALY: Santillo; Nitoglia, Chillon, Ghidini, di Maura; Marcato, Picone (capt); Sbaraglini, Auganese, Costanzo; Montaine, Pavanello; Bresolin, Parisse, Persico. Replacements: Ferrero, Staibano, Bernabo, Mitoglia, Porazzo, Doglioli, Tempestini.

IRELAND: T Bowe (Belfast Harlequins); R Lane (UCC), B Murphy (UL Bohs), K Matthews (UL Bohs), D Warwick (Newport); M Rainey (Glasgow Hawks), F O'Loughlin (Shannon); E McGovern (Old Crescent), R Best (Belfast Harlequins), J Moran (UCD); D Gannon (UCD), N McComb (Dundee High School); J Muldoon (Galwegians), S Keogh (UCC), N Ronan (Lansdowne). Replacements: K Corrigan (UCD), D Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins), S O'Connor (Cork Con), C Potts (St Mary's), R Shaw (Wasps), D McAllister (Terenure), J Hearty (Blackrock).

Referee: A Ireland (Scotland).