Berbizier changes three for Scotland

Italy coach Pierre Berbizier has announced three changes to his starting 15 for the final Six Nations match against Scotland …

Italy coach Pierre Berbizier has announced three changes to his starting 15 for the final Six Nations match against Scotland in Rome on Saturday.

Fullback Cristian Stoica, who came on as a second-half replacement in last week's 18-18 draw with Wales, comes back into the starting XV.

The return of the Romanian-born player, who started the first three matches of the competition against Ireland, England and France, pushes Ezio Galon back to the bench.

Berbizier's other two changes were in the front row. First-choice hooker Fabio Ongaro has recovered from a bout of flu to reclaim his place from Carlo Festuccia, while Martin Castrogiovanni replaces Carlos Nieto, who damaged knee ligaments against  Wales.

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Maurizio Zaffiri continues to stand in for key flanker Mauro Bergamasco, who also missed the Wales match with injury.

There was good news, however, for Berbizier, who was able to include winger Pablo Canavosio in his starting formation.

The winger, who scored a try just before halftime to pull Italy level in Cardiff, risked missing Saturday's match after picking up a knock against the Welsh but has been passed fit.

Italy: 15-Cristian Stoica; 14-Pablo Canavosio, 13-Gonzalo Canale, 12-Mirco Bergamasco, 11-Ludovico Nitoglia; 10-Ramiro Pez, 9-Paul Griffen; 8-Josh Sole, 7-Maurizio Zaffiri, 6-Sergio Parisse, 5-Marco Bortolami (captain), 4-Santiago Dellape, 3-Martin  Castrogiovanni, 2-Fabio Ongaro, 1-Salvatore Perugini.

Replacements: 16-Carlo Festuccia, 17-Andrea Lo Cicero, 18-Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 19-Alessandro Zanni, 20-Simon Picone, 21-Rima Wakarua, 22-Ezio Galon.