The National Times - Italy change six for England, Capuozzo at full-back

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Italy change six for England, Capuozzo at full-back

SPORTS 07.03.2025

Italy change six for England, Capuozzo at full-back / Photo: © AFP/File

Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada on Friday announced six changes, one positional, to the starting line-up for the Six Nations match against England at Twickenham.

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After losing 31-19 to Scotland in their opener, Italy rebounded to beat Wales 22-15 in Cardiff, but suffered a humiliating 73-24 rout at the hands of France last time out.

Quesada has rung the changes for the fourth and penultimate round of action, with Ange Capuozzo named at full-back to allow the return from injury of Monty Ioane on the right wing for Sunday's Test.

Matt Gallagher, son of former All Black John, makes his Six Nations debut on the other wing.

Wales-born Stephen Varney comes in to partner Paolo Garbisi at half-back, with Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello again combining in midfield.

Ross Vintcent starts at No 8 with Lorenzo Cannone dropping to the bench and is flanked by captain Michele Lamaro and Sebastian Negri.

The second row is unchanged in the shape of Federico Ruzza and Niccolo Cannone, while tighthead prop Marco Riccioni and hooker Giacomo Nicotera replace Simone Ferrari and Gianmarco Lucchesi, both named on the bench.

Italy (15-1)

Ange Capuozzo; Monty Ioane, Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Matt Gallagher; Paolo Garbisi, Stephen Varney; Ross Vintcent, Michele Lamaro (capt), Sebastian Negri; Federico Ruzza, Niccolo Cannone; Marco Riccioni, Giacomo Nicotera, Danilo Fischetti

Replacements: Gianmarco Lucchesi, Mirco Spagnolo, Simone Ferrari, Riccardo Favretto, Manuel Zuliani, Lorenzo Cannone, Martin Page-Relo, Tommaso Allan

Coach: Gonzalo Quesada (ARG)

M.Wilson--TNT

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