Andy Christie, Cameron Redpath and George Horne all start, having been replacements in the win against England on 24 February.
For Christie, named at blindside flanker, a first start in Scotland colours will see him join co-captain Rory Darge (openside) and No. 8 Jack Dempsey in the back row. Grant Gilchrist and Scott Cummings link up in the second row once more, the former named as vice-captain. For the fourth match in succession, and eighth in the Championship since last year’s meeting with Wales, Scotland’s front row comprises George Turner at hooker, with Pierre Schoeman and loosehead prop and Zander Fagerson packing down at tighthead. In the backs, Redpath is named at inside centre alongside Huw Jones, after Sione Tuipulotu was ruled out of the remaining matches through injury. Scrum-half Horne gets the nod to partner stand-off and co-captain Finn Russell as Scotland seek to retain the Cuttitta Cup, which will be played for the third time since its 2022 inauguration. Fresh from his scintillating hat-trick against England, Duhan van der Merwe is part of an unchanged back three with fellow winger Kyle Steyn and Blair Kinghorn, who occupies the full-back berth.
Scotland XV to face Italy:
15. Blair Kinghorn, 14. Kyle Steyn, 13. Huw Jones, 12. Cameron Redpath, 11. Duhan van der Merwe, 10. Finn Russell, 9. George Horne; 1. Pierre Schoeman, 2. George Turner, 3. Zander Fagerson, 4. Grant Gilchrist, 5. Scott Cummings, 6. Andy Christie, 7. Rory Darge, 8. Jack Dempsey
Replacements:
16. Ewan Ashman, 17. Alec Hepburn, 18. Elliot Millar-Mills, 19. Sam Skinner, 20. Jamie Ritchie, 21. Matt Fagerson, 22. Ali Price, 23. Kyle Rowe
