Injury-Hit Italy Faces Reshuffle for Six Nations Opener Against Scotland

Italy has been forced to alter their lineup for the Six Nations opener against Scotland due to several player injuries. Despite the setbacks, Juan Ignacio Brex, Paolo Garbisi, and Michele Lamaro are set to play their 50th match. Coach Quesada faces challenges with replacements and team strategies.

Italy is grappling with multiple player injuries as they prepare for their Six Nations opener against Scotland in Rome. Key players like Ange Capuozzo, Tommaso Allan, and others are out due to various injuries, forcing coach Gonzalo Quesada to reshuffle his squad significantly.

Despite the challenges, the match marks a milestone for centre Juan Ignacio Brex, flyhalf Paolo Garbisi, and captain Michele Lamaro, who are all set to earn their 50th caps for Italy. The absence of Bordeaux scrumhalf Martin Page-Relo, who returned to his club, and the ongoing recovery of Stephen Varney, adds further complexity to the team's lineup.

Adjustments include Alessandro Fusco stepping in at scrumhalf and Leonardo Marin moving to fullback. Three Zebre players debut on the bench. Italy previously edged Scotland 31-29 in Rome but lost 31-19 at Murrayfield last year. The team hopes to reclaim victory at home this Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies.)