Full-back Manuela Furlan will captain her country for the first time in a Women’s Six Nations match as Italy women face Scotland on Friday.
Head coach Andrea Di Giandomenico has named his XV for their opener at Scotstoun, with Furlan leading the side after replacing Sara Barrattin as skipper in the autumn.
The Azzurre will travel to Scotland looking for a repeat of the result in last year’s Championship, taking a 26-12 triumph in round five as they finished fourth in the table.
Italy, who also took a 38-0 victory in a clash between the sides in the autumn, have named Rugby Colorno’s Veronica Madia at fly-half to partner Barattin in the half-backs.
Sofia Stefan and Aura Muzzo will partner Furlan in the back three, with Beatrice Rigoni and Michela Sillari in the centres.
Stade Rennais hooker Melissa Bettoni is flanked by Gaia Giacomoli and Lucia Gai in the front row, with Valentina Ruzza and Giordana Duca at lock.
Ilaria Arrighetti, Giada Franco and Elisa Giordano complete the pack.
Belve Neo Verdi’s Elena Serilli could make her international debut if she comes off the bench.
Furlan said: “We’re expecting a different game to the one in November. Scotland, following that result in Calvisano, will be even stronger having had the chance to work on the errors committed.
“Playing away is always very hard; last time (in Scotland) we lost so for that reason we will do everything in our power to make life difficult for our opponents and bring home a result.”
Italy Women team to face Scotland at Scotstoun, kick off 7.35pm
15. Manuela Furlan (c) (Villorba Rugby)
14. Aura Muzzo (Villorba Rugby)
13. Michela Sillari (Rugby Colorno)
12. Beatrice Rigoni (Valsugana Rugby Padova)
11. Sofia Stefan (Valsugana Rugby Padova)
10. Veronica Madia (Rugby Colorno)
9. Sara Barattin (Villorba Rugby)
1. Gaia Giacomoli (Rugby Colorno)
2. Melissa Bettoni (Stade Rennais)
3. Lucia Gai (Valsugana Rugby Padova)
4. Valentina Ruzza (Valsugana Rugby Padova)
5. Giordana Duca (UR Capitolina)
6. Ilaria Arrighetti (Stade Rennais)
7. Giada Franco (Rugby Colorno)
8. Elisa Giordano (Valsugana Rugby Padova)
Replacements
16. Silvia Turani (Rugby Colorno)
17. Elena Serilli (Rugby Belve NeroVerdi)
18. Sara Tounesi (Rugby Colorno)
19. Valeria Fedrighi (Stade Toulousain)
20. Lucia Cammarano (Rugby Belve NeroVerdi)
21. Francesca Sberna (Kawasaki Robot Calvisano)
22. Jessica Busato (Villorba Rugby)
23. Camilla Sarasso (Biella Rugby Club)
