Canna back for Italy

Editor

Italy have made three changes to their side for their fixture against France on Saturday at Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

The three changes are hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini, wing Angelo Esposito and fly-half Carlo Canna all return back into the starting line-up for the clash.

Italy are coming off a 36-15 loss to England at Twickenham last weekend and despite being ahead at half time, the home side scored five tries in the second half to take the win.

In the backline Esposito replaces Giulio Bisegni in the 14 jersey. He will be joined by Giovanbattista Venditti on the left wing and Edoardo Padovani at full-back.

Michele Campagnaro and Luke McLean keep their place in the centres after a strong showing offensively and defensively against England last week.

Canna comes in for the crocked Tommaso Allan in the number 10 jersey while Edoardo Gori will keep his position at scrum-half.

The loose trio of Sergio Parisse, Simone Favaro and Abraham Steyn remains the same, while Dries van Schalkwyk and Marco Fuser will buckle down in the second row once again.

The only the change in the forward pack is Ghiraldini who was supposed to start against England but injured his foot beforehand and was replaced by Ornel Gega.

On the bench Tommaso D'Apice, Dario Chistolini, Sami Panico and the Luca Sperandio, who has yet gain an international cap, will provide cover from the bench.

Italy: 15 Edoardo Padovani, 14 Angelo Esposito, 13 Michele Campagnaro, 12 Luke McLean, 11 Giovanbattista Venditti, 10 Carla Canna, 9 Edoardo Gori, 8 Sergio Parisse(c), 7 Simone Favaro, 6 Abraham Steyn, 5 Dries van Schalkwyk, 4 Marco Fuser, 3 Lorenzo Cittadini, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Andrea Lovotti
Replacements: 16 Tommaso D'Apice, 17 Sami Panico, 18 Dario Chistolini, 19 George Biagi, 20 Maxime Mbanda, 21 Giorgio Bronzini, 22 Tommaso Benvenuti, 23 Luca Sperandio

Date: Saturday, March 11
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Kick-off: 14:30 local (13:30 GMT)
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), JP Doyle (England)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)