Scotland are hoping for a big reaction when they take on Italy to end their 2023 Under-20s Six Nations campaign on a high at Scotstoun on Sunday.
A disappointing 82-7 defeat to leaders Ireland last Friday may have dampened the mood inside the Scotland camp ahead of Round 5.
But one final chance to shine in front of a home crowd will be motivation enough, with the hosts unlikely to achieve the 100-point swing required to leapfrog their opponents into fourth.
The Azzurrini, meanwhile, should be confident after they emerged victorious for the first time this year with a narrow victory over Wales last Friday – 29-25.
Scotland’s sole win of the 2023 Under-20s Six Nations – their first since 2020 – also came against the Welsh and the scoreline was even tighter at 18-17.
A competitive clash is expected then, and both head coaches have shuffled their pack in light of several injury concerns.
Where to watch:
Kick-off comes at 2pm GMT (3pm CET) and all the action will be shown live on BBC iPlayer and Sky Sport (Italia).
Scotland team news
Scotland head coach Kenny Murray has brought in a fresh half-back partnership as well as an all-new lock pairing to take on Italy on Sunday.
With Finlay Burgess injured, Ben Afshar steps up to take on scrum-half responsibilities while Richie Simpson’s return to fitness gives him a start at fly-half.
Eddie Erskine and Ruaraidh Hart pack down in the second row in place of the suspended Jake Parkinson and Harris McLeod, who stars on the replacements’ bench.
Three more changes to the pack sees hooker Jerry Blyth-Lafferty make his maiden start of this year’s Championship and tighthead Eben Cairns his Scotland Under-20s debut.
Sam Derrick is promoted to the starting line-up to cover for the injured Rudi Brown and Murray’s final alteration hands winger Kerr Johnston his Under-20s Six Nations debut.
Scotland Under-20s team to face Italy Under-20s: 15. Dan King, 14. Kerr Johnston, 13. Duncan Munn (co-captain), 12. Kerr Yule, 11. Geordie Gwynn, 10. Richie Simpson, 9. Ben Afshar; 1. Craig Davidson, 2. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, 3. Eben Cairns, 4. Eddie Erskine, 5. Ruaraidh Hart, 6. Liam McConnell (co-captain), 7. Sam Derrick, 8. Jonny Morris
Replacements: 16. Corey Tait, 17. Max Surry, 18. Robbie Deans, 19. Harris McLeod, 20. Ewan Guy, 21. Charlie Clare, 22. Ben Salmon, 23. Will Robinson
Italy team news
Italy head coach Massimo Brunello has welcomed back François Carlo Mey into the starting line up.
The full-back has recovered from the muscle issue that kept him out of Italy’s win over Wales last weekend and goes straight into his preferred position.
Simone Brisighella, Mey’s replacement last Friday, moves to fly-half with Giovanni Sante dropping to the bench for the first time this Championship.
Brunello has also confirmed two changes in his forward pack, as Destiny Ugiagbe Aminu steps in at prop alongside captain Giovanni Quattrini.
The final alteration sees Carlos Berlese take the place of Filippo Lavorenti at blindside.
Riccardo Bartolini and Enrico Pontarini are both included on the replacements’ bench after missing out in Round 4.
On his side’s approach to the match, Brunello said: “We expect a fiery start to the match. Scotland will be looking for a proud reaction after conceding 80+ points against Ireland.
“But we are ready, aware of our values, not only in a technical sense but also mentally, which I’m sure the boys will be able to demonstrate in this situation.”
Italy Under-20s team to face Scotland Under-20s: 15. François Carlo Mey, 14. Alessandro Gesi, 13. Dewi Passarella, 12. Nicola Bozzo, 11. Filippo Bozzoni, 10. Simone Brisighella, 9. Sebastiano Battara; 1. Destiny Ugiagbe Aminu, 2. Giovanni Quattrini, 3. Marcos Francesco Gallorini, 4. Alex Mattioli, 5. Pietro Turrisi, 6. Carlos Berlese, 7. David Odiase, 8. Jacopo Botturi
Replacements: 16. Nicholas Gasperini, 17. Riccardo Bartolini, 18. Alex Valentino Artuso, 19. Enrico Pontarini, 20. Filippo Lavorenti, 21. Lorenzo Casilio, 22. Giovanni Sante, 23. Lorenzo Elettri
