Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi returns to the Italy starting line-up as one of two changes for their clash against Scotland in Round 3 of the Women’s Six Nations.
Ostuni Minuzzi, who was due to start the Round 2 clash against England but was withdrawn at the last minute, gets the nod at full-back which means skipper Manuela Furlan moves to the wing and Aura Muzzo drops to the bench.
The backline is otherwise unchanged with Maria Magatto completing the back three, Beatrice Rigoni and Michela Sillari forming the midfield partnership and Sara Barattin and Veronica Madia as the half-backs once more.
In the pack, Melissa Bettoni returns to start at hooker, causing Lucia Cammarano to shift from No.2 into the back row as Giada Franco misses out.
Italy impressed in the first half against England before the reigning champions pulled away for a 67-3 victory last weekend but head to Scotstoun Stadium knowing a victory would clinch second place in Pool A and a shot at third overall on Finals Day.
Scotland also suffered a heavy defeat to England in Round 1 and Azzurre coach Andrea Di Giandomenico is confident his team can produce the result in Glasgow.
“We want to react after last week’s result,” he said. “During the week we worked a lot on the aspects to be corrected and on our strengths.
“With confidence in our abilities, we can offer an impressive performance in Scotland ”
Italy team to face Scotland in Round 3 of the Women’s Six Nations 15 Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 4 caps) 14 Manuela Furlan (Arredissima Villorba, 76 caps) – captain 13 Michela Sillari (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 58 caps) 12 Beatrice Rigoni (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 44 caps) 11 Maria Magatti (CUS Milano, 34 caps) 10 Veronica Madia (HBS Colorno, 20 caps) 9 Sara Barattin (Arredissima Villorba, 96 caps) 1 Erika Skofca (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 3 caps) 2 Melissa Bettoni (Stade Rennais, 59 caps) 3 Lucia Gai (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 71 caps) 4 Valeria Fedrighi (Stade Toulousain, 23 caps) 5 Giordana Duca (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 19 caps) 6 Ilaria Arrighetti (Stade Rennais, 46 caps) 7 Lucia Cammarano (Rugby Belve Neroverdi, 25 caps) 8 Elisa Giordano (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 44 caps)
Replacements 16 Silvia Turani (FC Grenoble, 16 caps) 17 Gaia Maris (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 1 cap) 18 Sara Tounesi (ASM Romagnat, 17 caps) 19 Isabella Locatelli (Rugby Monza 1949, 24 caps) 20 Beatrice Veronese (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 5 caps) 21 Francesca Sgorbini (ASM Romagnat, 6 caps) 22 Sofia Stefan (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 56 caps) 23 Aura Muzzo (Arredissima Villorba, 15 caps)
