(Reuters) – Italy will have three changes to their lineup for their final Six Nations Championship match against Wales in Cardiff. Lorenzo Pani will step in for Ange Capuozzo at fullback, who is out due to a fractured finger sustained in their victory over Scotland last weekend. Capuozzo was instrumental in Italy’s previous win over Wales at Principality Stadium in 2022.
In addition to Pani, Stephen Varney will start at scrumhalf in place of Martin Page-Relo, who moves to the bench. Lorenzo Cannone will take over the number eight position from Ross Vintcent, who will also be among the substitutes.
Paolo Garbisi retains his spot at flyhalf, with Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane on the wings. The center pairing consists of Tommaso Menoncello and Ignacio Brex. Captain Michele Lamaro, Sebastian Negri, and Cannone make up the rest of the back three.
The second row will feature Niccolo Cannone and Federico Ruzza, while Giacomo Nicotera will be the hooker with Danilo Fischetti and Simone Ferrari as the props.
A win against Wales could mark Italy’s best-ever Six Nations campaign, especially considering Wales has yet to secure a victory in this season’s championship. After a close 13-13 draw against France, Italy will be looking to build on their recent success against Scotland.
To potentially finish as high as third in the standings, Italy would need a bonus point victory against Wales and for both Scotland and France to lose their final matches to Ireland and England respectively.
The full Italy team lineup includes: Lorenzo Pani, Louis Lynagh, Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Monty Ioane, Paolo Garbisi, Stephen Varney, Lorenzo Cannone, Michele Lamaro (captain), Sebastian Negri, Federico Ruzza, Niccolo Cannone, Simone Ferrari, Giacomo Nicotera, Danilo Fischetti.
Replacements on the bench will be: Gianmarco Lucchesi, Mirco Spagnolo, Giosue Zilocchi, Andrea Zambonin, Ross Vintcent, Manuel Zuliani, Martin Page-Relo, and Leonardo Marin.
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Ken Ferris)
